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TO COMMEMORATE THE TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GULLAH FESTIVAL OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO RECOGNIZE THOSE INVOLVED WITH THE FESTIVAL FOR THEIR DEDICATION IN BRINGING THE GULLAH CULTURE AND TRADITION TO ALL SOUTH CAROLINIANS.
Whereas, originating from a conversation shared by five women about how the black community would celebrate "Decoration Day" in Beaufort, the Gullah Festival began in 1987 with approximately 35 people in attendance and has grown in its twenty years to hosting over 70 thousand over a three day period; and
Whereas, mindful of traditional entertainment and cultural activities, the women involved in the inception of the Gullah Festival sought to preserve established celebratory practices while expanding the reach of the celebration, impacting not only members in their own communities, but also interested participants from around the state; and
Whereas, three remaining co-founders still work with family and many friends to make sure that the dream once started remains alive; and
Whereas, a nonalcoholic festival, the Gullah Festival is family-oriented and has become an excellent vacation spot for all types of reunion activities and friendly gatherings; and
Whereas, striving to educate participants on the beauty and tradition of the Gullah culture, the festival committee brings activities including jazz, blues, reggae, gospel, storytelling, dance, arts and crafts, and a food court filled with local cuisine and special cultural dishes. There are also educational forums, a beauty pageant, art shows, museum displays, dinner dances, and plays; and
Whereas, the hard work and dedication of the festival committee has not gone unrecognized, as the festival has won various awards including the Bundy Award from the South Carolina Parks, Recreation and Tourism, and has been recognized by Vision Magazine, the United States Congress, the Secretary of State, and the American Business Association; and
Whereas, the festival and its many events will be held this year at the Beaufort High School football stadium; and
Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly is proud to recognize those involved with the Gullah Festival for brining a cultural awareness to our state that is both interesting and important. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the Gullah Festival of South Carolina and recognize those involved with the festival for their dedication in bringing the Gullah culture and tradition to all South Carolinians.
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