The Gullah

The History and Legacy of the African American Ethnic Group in the American Southeast

By: Charles River Editors

Narrated by: Bill Hare

Length: 1 hr and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

“If you do not know where you're going, you should know where you come from.” (Old Gullah Proverb)

Charming drawls, bluegrass bops, NASCAR, mouthwatering barbecues, and the Great Smoky Mountains are all customs that make America’s Deep South home to some of the most vibrant, powerfully evocative, and culturally rich subregions on the continent, tethered to a heritage that rose from the ashes of the Civil War.

There exists, however, a lesser-known, but equally indispensable subculture based within a 500-mile radius of the coastal South Atlantic states and Sea Islands. These culture bearers, who refer to themselves as the Gullah Geechee, or the “Gullah” for short, are the descendants and rightful heirs of the once-shackled slaves who resided in these parts. As the guardians and torch holders of the incredible legacy left behind by their persevering ancestors, the modern Gullah spare no effort in preserving the inherently unique customs and traditions, complete with their own creole tongue, that have been passed down from one generation to the next.

Of course, the first Gullah people were not natives of the Deep South, nor were they eager immigrants who willingly crossed the North Atlantic in the hopes of landing opportunities available only in the “land of the free”. Rather, the Gullah were normal, everyday people who were forcibly extracted from their homes and shipped like chattel to a foreign land, where they were sold, purchased, and put to work on plantations, mines, factories, and elsewhere. Simply put, they were an ill-starred, yet fiercely diligent people who made the most out of their unimaginably horrific fates, constructing their own colorful customs and a remarkable legacy for their future successors.

A number of notable figures have been linked with the Gullah in recent years. Michelle Obama, for instance, is said to be a descendant of a Gullah slave who once dwelled in a cotton plantation in the Low Country region of South Carolina. Little Melvinia was no older than eight when she arrived at the plantation of one Henry Wells Shields, soon after adopting the surname of her “master”, as per the customs of the mid-19th century. A teenaged Melvinia was ripped from her home once more in 1852 and relocated to Georgia, and it was there that she was impregnated by a white man and gave birth to the great-great-grandfather of the former First Lady. South Carolinian boxing icon Smokin' Joe Frazier and Cleveland Browns legend Jim Brown of St. Simons Island, Georgia also share Gullah blood.

The Gullah: The History and Legacy of the African American Ethnic Group in the American Southeast examines the origins of the people, their culture, and how their history has winded over the centuries; you will learn about the Gullah like never before.

©2019 Charles River Editors (P)2019 Charles River Editors

An Essential History Illustration

Easily digested during my drive to the Low Country, where I plan to visit Gullah sites in between beach visits. Well put together -- especially the context of where Gullah history fits into and diverges from American slavery history. The section about the disappearing traditions is heartbreaking, as it should be. The narration admirably stays out of the way of the text, but I do wish the publisher had found someone whose heritage is closer to the material (I don't know Mr. Hare's background, but he sounds White). That detail would have brought the book to life even more. Either way, a solid effort, and I'm glad it's here to be heard.

Good though tinged with some ideological issues.

This is a very informative and concise summary of Gullah history and culture. I learned alot while listening. There was one major complaint and one minor one, connected to ideology I think.

First, it begins with a very positive and respectful description of the Gullah. But then it lists some well known people connected to it: Michelle Obama, Jim Brown and I think it was Joe Louis. They were a little loosely connected. However, the supreme court justice, Clarence Thomas not only grew up in a Gullah community, but spoke the language as his primary language, growing up, learning English later. He's one of the most powerful men in the country. There is no way the author was not aware of that. That causes me to question how much he actually respects the people, or just the ones that fit with his ideology.

Second, the minor qualm, he refers to the white slaveowners as "deluded" for believing black people had thicker skin. However, he deals with beliefs about "boo hags" from the Gullah, along with other superstitions with understanding and a lack of disparagement. That's distracting.

Overall though, it was a great concise history.

Very proud of this book

Great way to introduce yourself and others to the Gullah Geechee Nation. This was informative and respectful. Thank you for all your time and efforts in writing this book.

US history that is not taught in US schools.

Very interesting! Helped me understand some of the things my grandmother used to do when she was alive.

Excellent Book! I LOVE IT!!

Interesting Subject

My only complaint was that I wanted to know much more than this book provided.

Uplifting book

As a native of the Gullah community, this book has revealed aspects of my lineage in a respectful and comforting way. It has brought to my mind the many actions we did as a way of life to the forefront. My depth of understanding has deepened and I feel honored to be a part of this rich culture.

Thoroughly Enjoyed!

Very informative short read. I plan to purchase the hard copy to add to my library.