In 2017, Mayor John Tecklenburg requested the Gullah Society’s assistance in the reburial of thirty-six individuals discovered in 2013 during construction at the Gaillard Center on George Street in downtown Charleston. Over the next two years, we collaborated with the City of Charleston, the College of Charleston, the University of Pennsylvania, and other partners to honor these individuals and their legacy. Research and Community Engagement Our work focused on several key initiatives, including a series of ‘Community Conversations’, ancient DNA research, and an educational and arts program. These efforts were aimed at preparing the community for the respectful reinterment of…
Author: Anna Wilkes
Anna Wilkes
Anna Wilkes is a distinguished writer known for her insightful coverage of the Gullah people and the latest developments in USA news. Her work delves deep into the rich cultural heritage of the Gullah community, exploring their traditions, challenges, and contributions to American society. Simultaneously, Anna keeps her finger on the pulse of national affairs, providing her readers with timely and thorough analyses of significant events across the United States. Her commitment to highlighting diverse voices and stories has made her a respected figure in journalism. Beyond her professional endeavors, Anna is passionate about cultural preservation and community outreach, actively participating in initiatives that promote understanding and dialogue.
My name is Ade Ajani Ofunniyin, and I am proud to be the grandson of the legendary Charleston Blacksmith, Philip Simmons. I humbly accept the recognition of my grandfather’s greatness and the rich legacy I carry with his name. This is a responsibility I hold with great respect. Early Years: Walking in My Grandfather’s Footsteps I was born in Charleston and lived there until I was seven. At that point, I moved to New York City to join my mother, Frances Vernon, Philip’s eldest daughter. The first seven years of my life were spent walking in my grandfather’s footsteps. I…
President Donald Trump has extended the federal hiring freeze through October 15, continuing his administration’s drive to reduce the size and cost of the federal government. The extension, which comes after a series of earlier freezes since January, is aimed at locking in budget savings achieved through workforce reductions, early retirements, and the elimination of vacant roles. By targeting non-essential civilian positions, the administration says it is streamlining operations while still protecting critical functions tied to national security, public safety, and immigration enforcement. The new order reinforces that no vacant civilian positions within federal agencies may be filled, and no…
As ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas teeter at a critical juncture, former President Donald Trump has stepped into a leading diplomatic role, pressing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a truce in Gaza amid ongoing indirect negotiations in Doha. The high-stakes diplomacy comes as the Trump administration pursues a broader strategy to reshape Gaza’s future governance and reassert U.S. influence in the Middle East. A Ceasefire Deal on the Table The current deal, brokered with U.S. support, would bring a temporary 60-day halt to hostilities between Israel and Hamas. In exchange, ten Israeli hostages believed to be…
When hardship strikes, the strength of a community often determines how well its members recover. It plays a vital role not only in the physical but also in the mental well-being of the members. A Psychology Today article states that a community can help you feel connected to others. It can also give a sense of being a part of something larger than yourself. This sense of belonging is essential for your mental well-being. In Gullah-Geechee communities, this support is evident in strong family bonds, neighbors stepping up to help, and elders offering valuable wisdom. Crisis, whether it stems from…
Talking openly about whatever is ailing you is essential to finding help. But what can you do if those who are supposed to help you ignore, trivialize, or dismiss your concerns? For many women with physical or mental health issues, seeking and receiving help remains a challenge. Having adequate funds to receive treatment does not solve the problems created by your health team’s cavalier or patronizing attitude. Most often, the problems that get the hushing treatment pertain to chronic pain, reproductive health, and mental illness. Sadly, these are also conditions that make daily life daunting and render everything less enjoyable.…
The United States is home to many vibrant cultures, and among the most unique is that of the Gullah-Geechee people. This remarkable American culture stretches back to the seventeenth century, deeply rooted in the experiences of captive Africans brought to the southern United States. Over time, however, these communities developed a distinctive new language and reshaped their African traditions by incorporating elements of the Southeastern environment. But like many cultural traditions, Gullah-Geechee heritage faces real challenges today. Development pressure, rising property costs, and the natural passing of elder generations threaten to weaken these deep-rooted customs. Amidst all this, the Gullah-Geechee…
Ten individuals have been arrested following a violent, coordinated ambush on the Prairieland Detention Facility in Alvarado, Texas, on the night of July 4. Federal authorities describe the attack as a deliberate assault on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel and property, resulting in serious federal charges, including multiple counts of attempted murder of federal officers and firearm-related offenses. According to Nancy Larson, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, the attack began around 10:37 p.m. when a group of suspects—clad in black, tactical military-style clothing—approached the facility. The group launched fireworks toward the building in an apparent effort…
Most people attend protests with peaceful intentions of standing up for a cause and adding their voice to a movement. However, even the best-organized demonstrations can unravel in moments. A tense encounter, a sudden push from the crowd, or an overreaction by authorities, and suddenly you’re in a situation that veers into the “mostly peaceful” territory. In the recent ICE protests in L.A., several individuals have suffered injuries in the chaos. According to some advocacy groups, there have been at least 31 attacks on journalists, 27 of which were due to actions from law enforcement. No one plans to be…
President Donald Trump announced plans to visit flood-stricken Central Texas on Friday, following last week’s catastrophic flash floods that have left at least 104 people dead, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in recent Texas history. The president confirmed the visit during a briefing with reporters on Monday evening, describing the floods as a “terrible event.” He previously stated on Sunday that while he wished to visit sooner, he had postponed his trip out of respect for rescue and recovery efforts, noting, “I didn’t want to be in their way.” What Happened: A Rapid and Deadly Deluge The…
