2020 Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration – Opening Party
- January 30, 6-9 p.m.
- Art League of Hilton Head Gallery at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
- 14 Shelter Cove Ln.
- The Gullah Celebration opening party is the first opportunity for patrons and friends to see the display of original work by emerging and leading artists at the Arts Ob We People: Winter Exhibition and Sale. Free Will Offering.
Arts Ob We People: Winter Exhibition and Sale
- January 31 & February 28, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Art League of Hilton Head Gallery at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
- 14 Shelter Cove Ln.
- The Arts Ob We People: Winter Exhibition and Sale is a display of original work by emerging and leading artists that represents the life of Gullah people on Hilton Head Island and the surrounding community. Artists will be on-site at various times throughout the exhibit; check for exact schedules at gullahcelebration.com. Private group tours are available by request. Free Will Offering.
Gullah Heritage Music Series –Opening Night
- January 31, 7-8:30 p.m.
- Mt. Calvary Baptist Church
- 382 Squire Pope Rd.
- Celebrate and honor the spiritual thread that binds the African ancestors and the Gullah of today. This kickoff to the Gullah Celebration, the annual music series features the Gospel Choirs of Mt. Calvary Mass Choir, Queen Chapel AME Church Gospel Choir and First African Gospel Choir. Free Will Offering.
Ol’ Fashioned Gullah Breakfast
- February 1, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Historic Cherry Hill School
- 209 Dillon Rd.
- Home cooking that shows some, and reminds others, of a traditional Gullah breakfast: featuring your choice of stewed oysters, shrimp in a savory Lowcountry gravy and fried fresh catch fish, paired with hot buttered grits and fresh biscuits. Meals are prepared by people of the local Gullah community, coordinated by Ooman Chef Louise Cohen. Free Will Offering.
Freedom Day
- February 1, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Historic Cherry Hill School
- 209 Dillon Rd.
- National Freedom Day was established in 1948 by President Harry Truman, in remembrance of February 1, 1865 – the day President Lincoln signed the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which outlawed slavery. This year we will take a journey through historic Mitchelville. On this tour you will learn more about what the people of Mitchelville were busy creating in 1862 before the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, and how those citizens would create guideposts for generations to follow. Free Will Offering.
Family and Friends Day
- February 4, 7-8:30 p.m.
- Historic First African Baptist Church
- 70 Beach City Rd.
- Join historic First African Baptist Church for a family night program. The program will focus on the traditional and contemporary Gullah songs, followed by a reception with samples of authentic Gullah food. Free Will Offering.
Gullah Music Series Featuring Male Choruses
- February 7, 7-8:30 p.m.
- Historic First African Baptist Church
- 70 Beach City Rd.
- Celebrate and honor the spiritual thread that binds the African ancestors and the Gullah of today. This installment to the Gullah Celebration annual music series features the male choruses from Campbell AME Church, First African Baptist Church, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church and St. James Baptist Church. Free Will Offering.
Taste Of Gullah
- February 8, 12-3 p.m.
- Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
- 14 Shelter Cove Ln.
- This one-of-kind event is an afternoon filled with authentic Gullah dishes such as okra gumbo, conch stew, fried shrimp dusted in traditional Gullah seasonings and classic barbecue favorites like chargrilled chicken and ribs. While you eat, you can enjoy the entertainment of several local artists, including traditional dancers, musicians and storytellers. $12.
Hilton Head Island Back In The Day: Through Eyes Of Gullah Elders
- February 8 & 22
- Coligny Theatre
- 1 North Forest Beach Dr.
- A feature-length documentary featuring Gullah elders, the descendants of freedmen, based on the historic Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. They share their personal stories about their communities, farming, fishing, upbringing, church, education, Northern Migration, food ways, language and the development that came with the construction of the bridge in 1956 and how it greatly impacted their lives. $7.
Paint And Sip
- February 13 & 27, 6-8 p.m.
- Art League Academy
- 106 Cordillo Pkwy.
- Join us for a two-hour session and create memories that will last a lifetime. Exhibiting artists in the annual Arts Ob We People Exhibit and Sale will guide you with stroke-by-stroke instructions to ensure you paint your own unique masterpiece. Be sure to bring your favorite beverage (soft drinks, beer or wine; no spirits please)! $30.
Gullah Celebration Heritage Music Series, Featuring Gospel Classics
- February 14, 7-8:30 p.m.
- Central Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church
- 161 Matthews Dr.
- Celebrate and honor the spiritual thread that binds the African ancestors and the Gullah of today. This installment to the Gullah Celebration’s annual music series features the Central Oak Grove Choir and First Zion Gospel Choir. Free Will Offering.
Gullah Institute Presents…
- February 15, 9-11 a.m.
- Historic Honey Horn
- 70 Honey Horn Dr.
- Come hear from historians, authors and artists, including a fireside chat. Plus, a special presentation of culture and community awards for outstanding leaders and supporters! Free Will Offering.
The Gullah Market & Block Party: An Arts, Crafts and Food Expo
- February 15-16
- Historic Honey Horn
- 70 Honey Horn Dr.
- An all-access experience to Gullah culture! The annual Gullah Market offers cultural demonstrations, authentic Gullah and African crafts and food for sale, as well as an offering of traditional storytelling, music entertainment and the Celebration of African-American Authors. An event to be shared with family and friends, or for you to make new friends! Featured performances by the Gullah Geechee Ring Shouters, Wona Womalan West African Drum and Dance Ensemble, Gullah Ooman Louise Cohen, Gullah Rappers and more! $10.00/general admission, $5.00/youth (5-12) and FREE for youth (4 and under).
Gullah Music Series, Featuring The Voices Of El Shaddai
- February 21, 7-8:30 p.m.
- Queen Chapel AME Church
- 114 Beach City Rd.
- Celebrate and honor the spiritual thread that binds the African ancestors and the Gullah of today. This installment to the Gullah Celebration’s annual music series features the renowned Voices of El Shaddai. Free Will Offering.
Gullah Celebration Heritage Music Series –Closing Night
- February 28, 7-8:30 p.m.
- St. James Baptist Church
- 209 Beach City Rd.
- Celebrate and honor the spiritual thread that binds the African ancestors and the Gullah of today. This installment to the Gullah Celebration’s annual music series features the St. James Baptist Church Choir and Time 4 Two. Free Will Offering.
Please call or visit the website to confirm dates, times, pricing and locations. (843) 255-7303 or gullahcelebration.com.