The Gullah Geechee culture was born of African tradition, language, and history along the coasts of Georgia and the Carolinas. The Gullah Geechee are the epitome of the African American experience. Through art, storytelling, and literature, they have preserved their legacy. Despite efforts to eliminate it, they have persevered. The following is a list of books about the history of the Gullah Geechee culture that we think everyone should read.
Top Gullah Geechee Books You Should Read
A Gullah Guide Through Charleston: Walking Through Black History by Alphonso Brown
Alphonso Brown’s A Gullah Guide To Charleston is a great book about the history of the Gullah Geechee culture for anyone interested in Black history in Charleston, South Carolina. This guide offers a series of walking tours that highlight significant sites and events linked to the Gullah community. Brown brings history to life by connecting the stories of the past with the physical landscape of Charleston.
The Green Book of South Carolina: A Travel Guide to African American Sites
The Green Book of South Carolina is an important travel guide celebrating African American heritage across the state. Originally written during segregation, this guide highlights important historical sites, cultural landmarks, and local businesses that reflect the Black experience in South Carolina.
Charleston’s Avery Research Center by Edmund L. Drago
Edmund L. Drago explores Charleston’s Avery Research Center’s significant role in African American education and research in the South Carolina Lowcountry over the last 140 years in this book, published in 2006. The center not only preserves the legacy of its teachers and students but also serves as a critical resource for understanding African American history in Charleston.
Charleston, South Carolina: Black America Series
The Charleston, South Carolina: Black America Series delves into the city’s rich Southern culture, showcasing its cuisine, and distinctive architectural styles. It also uncovers the often-forgotten African-American influence on the city’s identity. This series offers an important view of Charleston, that is often left out of local tours.
The Charleston Freedman’s Cottage by Lissa D’Aquisto Felzer
In The Charleston Freedman’s Cottage Lissa D’Aquisto Felzer shines a light on the often-overlooked vernacular buildings known as freedman’s cottages. These small homes, found throughout the city, hold significant cultural and historical value tied to the African American experience. According to Felzer, the small cottages represent the resilience of the Gullah community.
Sea Islands and The History of the Gullah Geechee Culture
Gullah Geechee Heritage in the Golden Isles by Professor Tyler E. Bagwell
Professor Tyler E. Bagwell’s Gullah Geechee Heritage in the Golden Isles explores the cultural legacy of the Gullah Geechee people in Georgia’s coastal region. The book highlights the traditions, histories, and contributions of the Gullah community. It includes a specific emphasis on their African roots and resilience.
Sapelo Island’s Hog Hammock by Michele Nicole Johnson
In Sapelo Island’s Hog Hammock, Michele Nicole Johnson includes personal anecdotes and engaging stories of island residents. They are committed to preserving their cultural identity despite challenges from all sides. The book focuses on the importance of community and location. It also highlights the struggle to remain connected to ancestral roots.
The Black Border: Gullah Stories of the Carolina Coast by Ambrose Gonzales
The Black Border is a collection of stories that delve into the lives and culture of African Americans in the South, particularly through the Gullah dialect. Gonzales, the co-founder of South Carolina’s largest newspaper grew up in a family that spoke Gullah, so he draws from his personal experiences within the book. Gonzales has worked hard to preserve and celebrate the oral traditions of the Gullah community.
Sweetgrass Baskets and the Gullah Geechee Tradition by Joyce V. Coakley
In Sweetgrass Baskets and the Gullah Geechee Tradition, Joyce V. Coakley explores the ancient African art of sweetgrass basket making. Artisans create intricate pieces with minimal tools using materials like sweetgrass, bullrush, and pine needles. The book traces the history of this craft, linking it to the arrival of enslaved West Africans in South Carolina.
These books about the history of the Gullah Geechee culture provide a window into the resilience and creativity of this community. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about Gullah culture, these titles are essential reading.
