Grand Opening
Come celebrate with us for the grand opening in the Beaufort National Historical Landmark District at The Arsenal
The celebration will include a Libation Ceremony, Traditional Gullah Storytellers, Musical Performances, Book Talks, Sweetgrass and Art workshops, and Gullah Cuisine.
Book Talks & Workshop Registration
All tickets are free, but registration is required to participate.
All Workshops will take place in the Arsenal Courtyard
Book Talks
Sweetgrass Workshop
Adinkra Stamp Workshop
Book Talk Schedule
All Book Talks will take place in the
Beaufort County Library: Main Branch
311 Scott Street
Beaufort, SC 29902
Located Across the street from the Arsenal
10:30 Am
G is for Gullah with Ebony Toussaint
G is for Gullah" is a book that teaches children the alphabet while educating them about Gullah culture. G is for Gullah is dedicated to her grandmother and all proceeds benefit cultural preservation and education.
11:30 Am
Turtle Dove Done Drooped His Wings & We Wear the Mask with Ron Daise
We Wear the Mask and Turtle Dove Done Drooped His Wings are two books in his stirring Geechee Literature Series
12:30 Pm
Gullah Days with Emory Campbell and Thomas Barnwell
This book illustrates in vivid detail the story of that vibrant post-Civil War era and the tangled perils of Reconstruction that followed.
All Books will be available for purchase during the event.
Featured Artist
Omartisrty
Omari Addison
Omari Jamal Addison is a 22 years old college student currently studying at Florida International University. Originally born in Georgia, now in South Florida, he is a budding artist and animator with his main focus being Gullah Geechee culture. He uses his art to preserve and learn his own heritage, and also make the culture known to the public. His specific Geechee lineage comes from Brunswick, Georgia in Glynn County, on one side of his family. He has also been able to trace his lineage all the way back to the Lowcountry of the Carolinas.
“Woven Kulchea”
Omartisty 2022
Notes from the Artist
“Woven Kulchea” was created to symbolize the connection of my Gullah people to the fresh water and salt water. It focuses specifically on the things we receive from it. The blue crab, shrimp, fish, and even the Cootuh (turtle) are all animals many Gullah folk are accustomed to and have eaten at one point or another. The sweet grass pendant binds all these animals together as they are all connected to many aspects of Lowcountry living in the corridor. The whole piece keeps my art style unique and relevant while still being traditional in what it represents.
Presenters and Performers
Dr. Jessica Berry
Celebration Emcee
She is a wife, mother, author, singer/songwriter, higher education professional and fierce advocate for Gullah Geechee people, culture, and language
Gullah Kinfolk
The Mission of Gullah Kinfolk Traveling Theater is the preservation, advancement and promotion of the Gullah Culture through non-profit artistic productions, performances and educational programs
Victoria Smalls
Executive Director
Victoria Smalls is a Gullah Geechee native of St. Helena Island in Beaufort County, South Carolina, who specializes in Gullah Geechee history and culture, as preservationist, historian, educator, artist, and arts advocate.
McIntosh County Shouters
While the McIntosh County Shouters have been performing in public since 1980, they have been practicing the ring shout since the 18th century.
Ron Daise
Ron Daise, a native of St. Helena Island, SC, is an author, performing artist, and educator who has shared stories, music, and lectures about history, culture, and faith across the country.
Mahoganee
South Carolina native Mahoganëë is a renowned vocalist, recording artist, songwriter, poet, storyteller and youth educator-mentor.
Emory Campbell
Emory Campbell is a community leader among the Gullah people, He is an author and interpreter of Gullah HeritageTours.
Ebony Toussaint
Dr. Ebony Allen Toussaint is a Gullah Geechee native born in Beaufort, SC and raised in the town of Dale.
Oyotunji African Drummers & Dancers
Oyotunji African Village (OAV) is the first intentional community based on the culture of the Yoruba and Dahomey tribes of West Africa; founded (1970) in the Americas.
Queen Quet
Queen Quet is an author, preservationist, and performance artist who serves as Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation
Quintin Smalls
Gullah Rap Artist from Hilton Head Island, SC
Mr. Bounce Back
Responsible ARTistry Studios
Natasha Robinson
Born and raised on St. Helena Island.
Began performing Gullah poetry and spoken word at age 11. Mother. An Army veteran..
Michael Smalls &
Dino Badger
Michael Smalls is a 7th generation basket-sewer and mentor of Dino Badger, now partner creating baskets and appearing in educational demostrations throughout the state.
Hank Herring
Hank D. Herring specializes in framing and mixed media art
Family Slide
Urban Line Dance
Vendors
Informational Tables & Sales
Partnering Organizations
We are honored to present this celebration in partnership with:
