ELIMU: A program designed to illuminate the vital role of the Gullah people in the American Revolution
- Marla Mossman
- Jun 4
- 3 min read
The Original Gullah Festival of South Carolina, Inc., in partnership with the South Carolina 250th American Revolution Anniversary Commission
The Original Gullah Festival of South Carolina, Inc., in partnership with the South Carolina 250th American Revolution Anniversary Commission, presented a full day experience of ELIMU: A program designed to illuminate the vital role of the Gullah people in the American Revolution and provide cultural leaders with valuable tools to share this history with broader audiences. Held on the Thursday before the annual Gullah Festival, this immersive experience organized by Dr. Pazanta Byars centered around the 2025 theme Da’ Gullah American Revolution Experience, and aims to inspire, educate, and connect.
I was honored to be selected by Dr. Pazanta Byars to participate in the ELIMU 2025 Excursion program to gain a more intimate and authentic knowledge of the Lowcounty and Gullah History. I attended the annual Gullah Festival last year and returned this year to further document the stories of the Gullah people. My current Peace Caravan Project focuses on the International Slave Trade and how the descendants of the enslaved Africans have maintained their culture, traditions and how they influence us today.
Early that May Thursday morning 30 of us gathered at the Black Chamber of Commerce for a continental breakfast before we boarded onto the bus for an excursion to Revolution era landmarks of Beaufort SC
Pictured above and below are two of these historic sites
We rode 17 miles to north Beaufort County where lies the ruins of Prince William’s Parish Church, known as Old Sheldon Church Ruins. It was built between 1745 and 1753 in the style to resemble a Greek Temple with three-and-one-half foot thick walls it has withstood over two hundred fifty years of existence. According to historic legends the church was burned by the British in 1779 during the Revolutionary War. And was later burnt again by William Tecumseh Sherman, in 1865 during his march through the south.
From there we Traveled to St. Helena Island, along Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. to see the ruins of an old church; known as The Chapel of Ease. It was built to serve the local enslaved people being too far away from the parish church in Beaufort, to attend Sunday services. Erected around 1740, its tabby walls are made from lime, water, sand, and oyster shells. The Church was destroyed in a forest fire that happened after the Civil War.
Our two hour tour ended back at the Black Chamber of Commerce where we had a delicous luncheon .
Gullah Cuisine Luncheon
1. Chicken & Seafood Gumbo
2. Fried Chicken
3. Green Beans
4. Red Rice
5. Maccaroni & Cheese
6. Toss Salad
7. Sweet Potato Cornbread
8. Peach Cobbler
9. Peach Tea
After the ELIMU Luncheon we attended a special exhibition that brought South Carolina’s pivotal Revolutionary War history to life by centering the long-overlooked contributions of the Gullah people. Through interactive displays, live demonstrations, and hands-on workshops, we experienced a unique and immersive journey through time. Historical Artisans & Demonstrations given by skilled artisans showed us their crafts as practiced between 1770–1783. These workshops gave us insight into the role of these trades in Revolutionary-era life.
Shown here are two of the Artists whose workshops I attended
Julian Williams Blacksmith | James Island, SC Mentored by legendary blacksmith Philip Simmons, Julian continues the Gullah blacksmithing legacy with live demos and engaging workshops where guests can create a project of their own.
Arianne King Comer Indigo Artist | Wadmalaw Island, SC A celebrated textile artist and educator, Arianne specializes in indigo dyeing and batik. With works housed in numerous collections, she teaches and exhibits globally, sharing the beauty and legacy of this ancient Gullah-rooted craft.
The afternoon ended with a preformance by the reknowned Gullah Geechee Ring Shouters. These dancers from Darien, Georgia have preserved the ring shout dance which is an African cultural tradition.
Comments