Gullah Celebration – Hilton Head Island

The Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Gullah people and their history on Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration programming includes a variety of events designed to attract residents, regional, national, and international travelers.

01.

In the late seventeenth until the mid-eighteenth century, thousands of enslaved Africans survived the middle passage to reach south Atlantic shores. Mostly due to the relative isolation of the Sea Islands at this time, including Hilton Head Island and Daufuskie. Over time, the enslaved Africans and their descendants developed a creole culture in which elements of African languages, cultures, and community life were preserved to a high degree. That creole culture is known as Gullah.

12

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Every artist was once an amateur.” Beaufort-based artist Lisa Gilyard-Rivers seems to defy this sentiment. When art enthusiasts gaze upon her paintings, stroked with emotions of love and pain, stories of yesterday and today.

Although my career as an artist did not begin until the age of 52. And her career as an artist began.

03.

Through the generosity of individuals and small business employees as volunteers and/or financial support, we are able to annually host programs and events that honor Gullah culture. It is our hope that you will join in as a donor or sponsor to help us continue to preserve the unique cultural influences of Gullah on Hilton Head Island. Show your support