The sites, sounds and tastes of the "Gullah/Geechee" culture have been slowly slipping away along the coasts of North and South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.  Stories and traditions of this fusion of African and European cultures brought long ago to these shores have been slipping away along with the marsh and sand that are disappearing because of the encroachment of developments and the pressures to assimilate into the "modern" world. 

            Small enclaves of Gullah, in South Carolina, and "Geechee," in Georgia, remain.  There you find houses trimmed in indigo, which and may still be believed to ward off evil spirits.  There you hear talk of life before the "cumyas," those who are recent arrivals to the area and the problems brought by the "benyas," those whose domicile can be traced back to plantation life.   There you listen to traditional spirituals like "Kumbaya" (come by here) that most Christians today continue to sing along, although often in more familiar dialect.  There you watch nimble hands weave gorgeous sweet grass baskets with a skill that has been handed down for generations.  There you an enjoy the aroma and tastes of "hoppin' john," sweet potato pie, or benne wafers, all Gullah specialties that have found their way into our modern culture.

            These communities were developed by former slaves whose life on the Sea Islands began in indigo fields and on rice patties.  They began their freedom in isolated and remote villages that nurtured and sustained their way of life for generations.  But a few years ago developers saw the potential to turn these small pockets of paradise into resort areas and as the roads and bridges came, this unique slice of history and traditions grew smaller and smaller.  Consequently, today many landowners in these communities are being forced to abandon their native land, unique language and priceless traditions. 

            There is still time to preserve significant portions of the Gullah/Geechee culture, and I have heeded the call from community leaders and preservationists to seek government intervention. At my request, the National Parks Service conducted a thorough study of the Gullah/Geechee coast.  That three-year study with several recommendations was released in May.  It made one thing abundantly clear: there is little time to lose.  Consequently, I have introduced the "Gullah/Geechee Cultural Preservation Act "(H.R. 4683) which seeks to implement the Parks Service's suggestions for the long-term survival of this culture. 

            It would establish a Gullah/Geechee Culture Heritage Corridor and create a commission to help Federal, State, and local authorities manage the Corridor and its assets.  The legislation authorizes $1 million in annual funding over 10 years.  In addition, the bill calls for one or more Interpretive Centers at appropriate locations within the Heritage Corridor.

The Gullah/Geechee culture, recently named one of the 11 Most Endangered Sites by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is a national treasure.  Just as the National Park Service protects the Grand Canyon, the great Redwood Forest, and Old Faithful, it has an obligation and, I hope, a desire to protect this culture that is as much a product of its place and time in our nation's history as these other natural treasures. 

Time is the enemy of any preservation project.  Just as natural wonders crumble bit by bit without careful oversight and intervention, the Gullah/Geechee culture will continue to erode and soon disappear if we do not act soon.  This legislation will be a barrier to prevent the waves of destruction from washing this unique and valuable treasure out to sea.  Hopefully my colleagues will agree.

#   #   #