26th Annual Gullah Celebration

26^th Annual Celebration on Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration presents the 26^th Annual Celebration on Hilton Head Island. This year attendees are invited to “Experience the Culture and Cherish the Legacy” of the Gullah community on Hilton Head Island throughout February. Events focus on the tremendous cultural contributions of Gullah People. From art to food, crafts and music, and history, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The executive committee is proud to announce that Amiri Geuka Farris is this year’s Featured Artist. “Amiri’s art captures the spirit of the Gullah people perfectly. This year’s featured image is more than we could have hoped for. It captures the joy of our culture and the rich heritage that we’re happy to share with everyone who joins the festival,” says [Insert Chairperson/Representative]. “Arts Ob We People” opens on Tuesday, February 1^st, at the Art League Gallery and runs through the whole month of February. Guests are encouraged to join the Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration Opening Party at the Art League Gallery on February 9^thfrom 5-7 pm.

The Celebration continues on Saturday, February 5^th, from 10 am-1 pm at Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, with a Freedom Walk in honor of National Freedom Day. Visitors will learn about the historical connection of Ft. Howell and Mitchelville through the stories passed down from generation to generation. Speakers include Rev. Dr. Robin Dease of St. Andrews by the Sea and Dr. John Newman of Volunteers in Medicine. The celebration also includes surprise guests and vaccines, screenings, and wellness information provided by Memory Matters, Hilton Head Hospital, Hilton Head Regional Healthcare Senior Center, and Hilton Head Island Fire, Life, and Safety.

On Saturday, February 12^th, “A Taste of Gullah” returns to the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina with food trucks offering traditional Gullah food, including Conch Stew, Shrimp Gumbo, Fried Chicken, Fried Fish, Oxtail Stew and more. The Gullah Market on Saturday, February 19^thwill have a wide array of arts, crafts, food vendors, music, and cultural performances. Gullah Culture will be on full display at the Coastal Discovery Museum. Wrapping up the Celebration is a Celebration of African American Authors on Saturday, February 26^th in Bluffton, which includes a Gullah food tasting. For more information about this event, via our website at gullahcelebration.com.

About this year’s Featured Artist: Amiri Geuka Farris

Amiri Geuka Farris is a contemporary, multidisciplinary artist whose wide range of work encompasses painting, drawing, video, performance, and installation. Farris’ work is full of intimate, personal experiences, and his art examines issues such as race, culture, memory, and perception. Farris is known for dynamic, powerful artwork that combines an alluring blend of vivid colors and layered textures.

Farris has been featured in over 50 solo and juried exhibitions internationally, including Washington DC, National African American Museum of History and Culture. Amiri received his MFA in painting, following his BFA in illustration from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). His academic appointments include Professor of Fine Arts and Foundations and Graphic Design at the University of South Carolina, Beaufort, Georgia Southern University, and Savannah State University.

The Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Gullah people and their history on Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration programming includes various events designed to attract residents, regional, national, and international travelers. Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration events incorporate many facets of the Gullah culture. Visitors have an opportunity to experience the food and music, receive firsthand historical information, and take a journey through the culture via the visual arts.

Established in 1996 by NIBCAA (Native Island Business and Community Affairs Association), the Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration is an annual event held in February. Since its inception, the Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration was designed to create economic development opportunities for minority business owners, develop the cultural tourism market, and increase tourism in February on Hilton Head Island, historically the slowest month of the year. While consistently meeting the intended objectives, the Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration continues annually to assess opportunities for continued growth and expansion strategically.

The Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration is an initiative of the NIBCAA in partnership with the Native Islanders Property Owners Association, the Town of Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and SC Parks, Recreation, and Tourism.