S. Carolina's Gullah Geechee face land loss from climate change, development | Nightline

Gullah Geechee, descendants of some of the first African slaves in the U.S., have lived and farmed South Carolina's Sea Islands for generations but persistent flooding is threatening their identity.

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[micheles]

This Gullah land should be registered as an historic landmark. The Gullah people arrived directly from Africa as slaves and live African culture until this day. Then the land will be more protected from predators.

[missdesireindependance]

I really love how they took a stand to keep their property! Land ownership is important!

[AkweliParker]

I love that she properly referred to what’s happening not as “development, ” but the more accurate term “destructionment.”

[mustafaa]

I am from the 'gullah geechee' area...and I get calls all the time about 'selling' my property that my grandfather purchased....not going to happen as long as my eyes are open. The people wanting to purchase have no idea of what they are trying to purchase....the history of the land and the people on the land. It saddens me to see so many people from outside coming in and purchasing and changing the landscape.

[TR-gger]

Gullah geechee . Another part of the black american story that no one wants to discuss . I'm so glad they faught for their land . I'm PROUD to be a foundational black american .

[mbjay]

Is this where that 90s hit child’s show Gullah Gullah Island comes from that’s amazing 🤩🤩🤩

[amandadye]

She is right. The real value is that land and the energy of the people who loved and cared for it. The value is not in the coins. Most of us don’t know what it’s like to even live by the land.

[micheles]

Lawyers that attended Black colleges and universities BCU's should help the Gulugh land get placed on the National Historic Registry. Help.

[Machelle]

I"ve followed these people for a while. Such an inspiring story..Don't ever sell your heritage!

[loridean]

"American Idol" winner Candice Glover is from this area. She is Gullah Geechee. I hope they can preserve their land and heritage

[amenahking]

The Queen's spirit and appearance represent Yemaya very well. May the Orisha work on their behalf and protect their land and water.

[dharmadove]

A proud people, should be honored and protected!

[kjen]

Queen has represented her people for so long and does it so well. She’s a force. Most High bless your progress beautiful people.

[soroyale]

Keep harassing people about their land one will soon get buried in the land. My grandmother told me that bc an old non black couple kept harassing her wanting to buy her land..let's just say nature have them 6ft under and my grandmother is still in the land if the living....this happened many years ago. Leave people land alone!

[denise]

I pray that The Most High protect their properties and culture from the greedy vultures!!

[kevinstinson]

She smart she only showed the land..could you imagine what they have from centuries ago.. I am so proud of this queen.

[omggiiirl]

If America does not protect the community of the sea islands, it risks losing a part of its heritage and soul. Protect these beautiful islands and people and thier heritage and culture. And stop trying to gentrification everything. Sometimes not everything is meant to be sold and developed. I hope the residents can keep the land forever and the history can be preserved. All Black people should be concerned as most if not all of us have some roots in those islands.

[glowface]

My Bigmom's dad, my great great grandad was Saltwater Geechee. People tried to shame him for having an accent and being "country". My branch of the family came to Michigan a century ago, but since childhood l was always curious about my roots. I am very proud of my Geechee heritage.

[Chicago]

She should put up a BIG sign: NOT FOR SALE.

[ceegreen]

Why isn't this land for these people protected like Indian reservations/tribal lands are? They should find out how to keep developers from stealing. I pray they keep their land...a sacred land. ♥️🙌