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TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 53-3-260 SO AS TO DECLARE THE LAST SATURDAY IN SEPTEMBER OF EACH YEAR AS "RED RICE DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, the State of South Carolina acknowledged that it has benefited greatly from African descent labor and identified the financial windfall that came from the cultivation of rice as one of the strongest benefits from this practice. South Carolina, in addition to financial prosperity, benefited from the culinary culture created by the Africans and their progeny. Along with their knowledge of rice cultivation, the Africans brought with them the recipe for a flavorful, tomato-based rice dish commonly known as jollof; and
Whereas, jollof rice is considered a source of fierce national pride for West African countries such as Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Cameroon. Its Gullah interpretation, known simply as Red Rice, is one of the most cherished carryovers from the amalgamation of African cultures from which the Gullah/Geechee culture was birthed; and
Whereas, red rice is enjoyed by all people and served in restaurants and homes throughout the Gullah/Geechee cultural heritage corridor, which starts in St. Johns County, Florida, and stretches up the eastern coastline and ends in Williamson, North Carolina; and
Whereas, the State of South Carolina formally acknowledges the gravity of a dish that so strongly connects the Gullah/Geechee people of present with their West African ancestors of the past.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. Chapter 3, Title 53 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 53-3-260. The last Saturday in September of each year is designated as 'Red Rice Day' in South Carolina."
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
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