Gullah Geechee Culture and the Philadelphia Connection

The Gullah and Geechee culture on the Sea Islands of Georgia has retained ethnic traditions from West Africa since the mid-1700s. Although the islands along the Southeastern U.S. coast harbor the same collective of West Africans, the name Gullah has come to be the accepted name of the islanders in South Carolina, while Geechee refers to the islanders of Georgia.

Many traditions of the Gullah and Geechee culture were passed from one generation to the next through language, agriculture and spirituality. The culture has been linked to specific West African ethnic groups who were enslaved on island plantations to grow rice, indigo and cotton starting in 1750, when antislavery laws ended in the Georgia colony.

Rice became a staple crop for both Gullah Geechee people and whites in the southeastern coastal regions. Making use of available rations, making a little go a long way,supplementing with fish and game, leftovers from butchering and communal stews shared with neighbors were African culture practices. African cooking methods and seasonings were also applied in Gullah Geechee homes and plantation kitchens.

Besides a lesson the Geechee cookng, Valerie Erwin will also explore the culinary connections, both historical and contemporary, between the Low Country–the coast of South Carolina and Georgia–and Philadelphia. The presentation will be followed by a sampling of a dish made with oysters: a beloved ingredient in both Philadelphia and the Low Country.

We will also enjoy a tour of the historic Wyck House and Gardens following Chef Erwin’s talk.