Celebrating Black History

“The Old Plantation,” painted in 1790, is attributed to artist John Rose.

The Enduring Art and Culture of the Gullah People

The Gullah are descendants of West and Central Africans who were brought to the coastal regions and Sea Islands of the southeastern United States during the transatlantic slave trade. Over generations, due in large part to the geographic isolation of these communities in places like South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, the Gullah developed a rich, distinctive culture that retained deep African roots alongside influences from European and Native American traditions. This cultural retention is a hallmark of Gullah identity, making their arts and traditions uniquely vibrant.

Charlotte Blake Alston, Photo Credit: Annie Cameron Photography

Musical Traditions

Originating from the Gullah tradition, the song "Kumbayah" has become a cornerstone of America's musical folklore. The actual chorus is “Come By Here,” but when spoken in the Gullah Creole accent, it sounds like “cum-by-yah.” Over time, that pronunciation changed into what we know today as kumbaya. The hymn was a call to God to come and help the people as they faced oppression. Read about Kumbayah's origins and listen to the first known recording of the song in this NY Times article found here.

“Come by here, my Lord, come by here. / Someone’s crying, Lord, come by here.”

Listen to storyteller and SPI contributor Charlotte Blake Alston sing All Hid, a traditional Gullah song children sing while playing Hide and Seek.

Sweet Grass Basket Weaving

Perhaps the most iconic of Gullah crafts, sweetgrass basket weaving is both a practical art and a cultural symbol. Using natural materials such as sweetgrass—which grows abundantly in the marshes and coastal areas—Gullah artisans create intricately woven baskets. This craft, passed down primarily through the hands of women, requires skill, creativity, and a deep understanding of the local environment. Today, these baskets are celebrated not only as utilitarian objects but also as works of art that connect contemporary audiences with centuries-old traditions.

Language as Cultural Memory

The Gullah language is an English-based Creole that incorporates elements from various West African languages. More than a means of communication, it functions as a living archive of the community’s history and cultural practices, conveying oral histories, folklore, and traditional wisdom that have been passed down through generations.

There are many books available about the Art, Culture, and Linguistic Traditions of the Gullah People. Here are few.

About Story Preservation

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