News Release

Black History Month Spotlight: Gullah Geechee Land & Cultural Preservation Task Force

February 22, 2023

In recognition of February as Black History Month, the Town of Hilton Head Island celebrates its Gullah Geechee Land & Cultural Preservation Task Force and the work it has done to help preserve the Island’s historic neighborhoods.

"The work of the task force is about preserving the culture, not only of Gullah Geechee communities but of the Island. We can trace our roots back many generations and as the Island evolved, descendants of these communities contributed to its development and the rich cultural experiences we enjoy today," said Lavon Stevens, Chairman of the task force.

"But, as we know, there are many threats to the existence of Gullah Geechee culture, ways of life, and land ownership within the community. That's why the establishment of and the work of the task force are so important," Stevens said. "Our work is about preserving the culture and the history. In doing so, we are standing on the shoulders of those who came before us."

Town Council organized the task force in June of 2017 as an ad-hoc committee of the Town’s Planning Commission. With considerable public input, the task force identifies and assists in the preservation of the Gullah Geechee culture. Members of the task force help detect and resolve issues specific to heirs’ property, taxes and land use, economics, and sustainability within the Island’s Gullah Geechee communities.

In addition to Stevens, current members of the task force include:

• Shani Green, Native Islander
• Palmer Simmons, Native Islander and Vice Chairman
• John Campbell, Planning Commission Member
• Tom Henz, Planning Commission Member
• Lavon Stevens, At-Large Member and Chairman
• Joyce Wright, At-Large Member
• Ibrahim Abdul-Malik, a representative of a Gullah Geechee/Native Island Culture Organization

"Since the Town brought us together, we have made significant progress in addressing issues that affect the Island's historic neighborhoods, where Gullah Geechee descendants live," Stevens said. Hilton Head Island’s Gullah Geechee communities include the Bay Gall, Big Hill, Chaplin, Gardner, Grassland, Jarvis, Jonesville, Marshland, Mitchelville, Old House Creek, Spanish Wells, Squire Pope, and Stoney areas of the Island.

"The Town has worked closely with the task force to ensure that Gullah Geechee communities remain a strong and viable part of the Island. We have worked steadily on several initiatives, policies and programs to preserve Gullah Geechee land and culture," said Missy Luick, Assistant Community Development Director.

Since 2017, the Town along with the support of the task force:

• Worked with consultants to develop the Gullah Geechee Cultural Preservation Project Report. In 2019, the Town Council prioritized and adopted recommendations from the report to implement.
   
• Created the Historic Neighborhoods Preservation Administrator position, recently updated to Principal Planner - Historic Neighborhood Preservation.
   
• Helped expand sewer service to property owners within the Gullah Geechee communities.
   
• Adopted the family subdivision and family compound regulations as part of the Land Management Ordinance. The regulations define and include uses for family compounds and family subdivisions - two amendments that will help native Islander families better preserve land for future generations.
   
• Established the Dirt Road Paving Program, which allows residents to convert an existing dirt road to a paved Town right of way.
   
• Adopted the Gullah History and Cultural Education program for Town staff.
   
• Adopted the Mid-Island District Plan, which has recommendations for some historic neighborhoods.
   
• Launched the Design Studio process. Through this process, Town staff helps property owners in historic neighborhoods navigate the Town’s processes for development, the feasibility of development, or business activity.
   
• Created the Delinquent Tax Program in coordination with Beaufort County to help residents retain their properties.
   
• Established the Heirs' Property and Family Research Program with the Heritage Library. The project helps families conduct genealogy research that may assist them in clearing title to heirs' property and obtaining valid land deeds.
   
• Hosted education programs on wills, heirs' property, and family compound and family subdivision at community parks and African American churches.
   
• Established regular communications with churches and community organizations to keep residents informed of Town meetings, programs, and services.

For more information on the Gullah Geechee Land & Cultural Preservation Task Force, visit hiltonheadislandsc.gov/Gullah.