News Release

Former Hilton Head Fishing Cooperative Celebrated With New Exhibit & Mural

May 22, 2024

In April 1970, a group of Black Hilton Head Island fishermen and members of the resort development community sailed to Washington, D.C., to deliver a petition with 45,000 signatures protesting the construction of a petrochemical plant on Victoria Bluff, near the Island. That trip was the culmination of a long and valiant fight to preserve the area’s natural environment that included environmentalists, developers, concerned citizens and the members of the Hilton Head Fishing Cooperative. Their courageous efforts successfully preserved the area’s natural environment and resources, which significantly contributed to the survival of the Lowcountry’s shrimping industry.

Today, the Town of Hilton Head Island honored the contributions of these fishermen with a new exhibit kiosk and mural unveiled at the Rowing and Sailing Center at Squire Pope Community Park, 137 Squire Pope Road.

The exhibit displays the history of the Hilton Head Fishing Cooperative, which Black fishermen from the Island’s Gullah neighborhoods founded in 1966 and operated until 1978 at the Squire Pope Community Park site. With an initial loan of $66,290 secured, the newly formed cooperative bought 0.75 acres of land on Skull Creek. They built their own docking facilities including a processing house, a railway for dry docking boats, an icehouse, and a retail sales office. The cooperative ensured local black shrimpers received fair market value for their catch. At its height, 25 boats were part of the Hilton Head Fishing Cooperative. The cooperative's success was featured in the November 1969 issue of the once-renowned Ebony magazine, which highlighted Black life across the country.

Another significant part of the cooperative’s history was its profound impact on protecting local waters from chemical pollution. Between 1969 and 1971, the cooperative collaborated with other community members to oppose BASF’s plans for a petrochemical plant on Victoria Bluff. Their campaign included the April 1970 voyage to Washington, D.C., aboard the "Capt. Dave" trawler.

"The Town of Hilton Head Island is proud to celebrate and honor this important part of our Island’s history. The Hilton Head Fishing Cooperative and the victory over BASF underscore the importance of community in finding solutions that work for everyone. This is history we can all celebrate," said Mayor Alan Perry.

The display panels feature photos and written history about the fishing cooperative and the Black fishermen involved during its 12-year period of activity. A mural painted by local artist Amiri Farris pays tribute to their legacy.

For more information about this exhibit kiosk and mural, visit culturehhi.org.