The Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor
The Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor and the federal Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission were designated by an act of Congress on October 12, 2006 .
The Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor and the federal Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission were designated by an act of Congress on October 12, 2006 through the National Heritage Areas Act of 2006. The Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor is a 12,000 square mile stretch of land that encompasses the coastal regions of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Established in 2006 by the US Congress, the purpose of the corridor is to recognize, preserve, and promote the Gullah Geechee people's cultural heritage and contributions to American history.
The Gullah Geechee people are descendants of enslaved Africans who were brought to the Lowcountry region of the southeastern United States to work on rice plantations during the colonial era. Over time, these Africans developed a unique culture and language that incorporated elements of West and Central African traditions as well as influences from the European colonizers.
The Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Act of 2006 was sponsored by Congressman James E. Clyburn of South Carolina and signed into law by President George W. Bush. The act authorized the creation of a commission to work with local communities to identify and promote sites of cultural and historical significance to the Gullah Geechee people.
The commission is made up of representatives from federal, state, and local governments, as well as members of the Gullah Geechee community. Its goals include preserving historic sites, promoting sustainable tourism, supporting economic development, and providing educational opportunities to help visitors and locals better understand the unique history and culture of the Gullah Geechee people.
The Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor is the first national heritage area in the United States that is dedicated to the African American experience. Through the preservation and promotion of this cultural heritage, the corridor aims to ensure that the contributions of the Gullah Geechee people to American history and culture are recognized and celebrated for generations to come.
Comments