Who are the Gullah Geechee? 

The term “Gullah Geechee” refers to both a people and a language, with Gullah typically referring to those from the Carolinas and Geechee typically referring to those from Georgia and Florida. The term is derived from Angola (West Africa) where many enslaved Africans were taken from by plantation owners. The language they spoke—Gullah—is an English-based Creole language with some 30 different African dialects words and grammar patterns incorporated into it. Over time, this language has been spoken continuously by generations of Gullah Geechee people living in remote areas along the Gullah Geechee Corridor. 

About Our Culture

The Gullah Geechee are known for their resilience throughout history. Despite facing immense hardship over centuries due to slavery and racism in America, we have persevered through it all while still maintaining our distinct culture. This includes unique food traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation such as hoppin’ john (black-eyed peas cooked with rice), shrimp & grits (a classic dish with roots in Native American cuisine), early forms of gumbo (a stew made with okra and seafood as its base), red rice (rice cooked with tomatoes), benne wafers (sesame seed cookies served at holidays), and sweet potato pie (a popular dessert). These dishes provide a glimpse into the history as well as the diverse cultural influences that make up the Gullah Geechee culture today. 

Additionally, Gullah Geechee artistry which includes weaving baskets out of palmetto fronds or sweetgrass which are then used for everything from serving food to decorating homes; quilting; sewing colorful dolls; painting landscapes depicting life on the islands; sculpting wooden figures; weaving sweet grass hats; carving fish decoys used for fishing; making sea island rum; creating pottery from clay found near rivers in South Carolina; writing stories about life on the islands; singing spirituals with harmonies influenced by African music; playing instruments like drums or banjos reminiscent of those brought over by ship captains from Africa hundreds of years ago—all these things represent just a few examples of how skillful craftsmanship has evolved within this community over time. 

Disya Who Webe: 

From unique food traditions to amazing works of artistry, Gullah Geechee people offer a glimpse into a past that has shaped our present-day world - one that should be celebrated rather than forgotten or ignored. By learning more about who we are we can gain an appreciation for how far we've come as well as how much further we still need to go when it comes to recognizing the rights all humans deserve regardless of race or ethnicity. Follow along with us to see how Siwani Spirits is weaving this throughout the brand.