Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
July 9, 2016 12:15 p.m.
At the July 5, 2016 Regular Meeting of the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC), Mayor John A. Miller encouraged the public to join him and the City in expressing appreciation for the Gullah/Geechee Nation, especially during the week of August 5-7, 2016, which he proclaimed as Gullah/Geechee Nation Appreciation Week.
Miller reminded the audience that the Gullah/Geechee Nation is the geographical area of the Sea Islands and Low Country of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. It is home to the only African-American population of the United States with a separate, long-standing name identifying them as a separate people and the lone speakers of the only true African American creole language of the continental United States. In their rural, isolated communities, the Gullah/Geechee people have been able to maintain their cultural heritage, distinctive language, cooking styles, music, arts and crafts, and religious beliefs that connect them to their West African ancestry.
In accepting the city proclamation, Glenda Simmons-Jenkins, a Representative of the Gullah/Geechee Nation, thanked the city for the recognition. She reminded the assembled of upcoming events celebrating the Gullah/Geechee Nation, including a festival on Hunting Island on October 22, Gullah/Geechee Unity Day in Savannah September 17 and 18, and the annual Gullah/Geechee International Music and Movement Festival in Charleston from August 5-7. On Saturday, September 10, there will be a Micro Summit in Fernandina Beach on the impact to the coastline and Gullah/Geechee culture of global warming.
To learn more about the Gullah/Geechee Nation, visit their website at https://gullahgeecheenation.com/.
Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.