Semester

Fall

Date of Graduation

2024

Document Type

Problem/Project Report

Degree Type

MA

College

Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Geology and Geography

Committee Chair

Maria Perez

Committee Member

Brent McCusker

Committee Member

Josh Lohnes

Abstract

The Gullah Geechee people, descendants of enslaved Africans brought to the Sea Islands of the Atlantic Coast, represent a resilient community whose heritage and practices have endured despite centuries of systemic oppression. This research examines the intersection of history, land dispossession, and environmental threats to the Gullah Geechee community, particularly on Sapelo Island. By exploring the enduring agricultural knowledge, language, and practices, this work underscores the significance of the Gullah Geechee's connection to their ancestral lands, which have been essential for the preservation of their identity. The dual forces of gentrification and climate change present pressing challenges, manifesting as both environmental degradation and economic displacement, threatening the physical spaces that sustain the community's way of life. Central to this study is the concept of "double dispossession," as these external forces erode not only their land but also the practices that define their community. Through interactive storytelling and geographical representations, this research aims to bring visibility to the ongoing struggle of the Gullah Geechee and the importance of preserving their land and practices for future generations. This work highlights the role of advocacy in supporting the Gullah Geechee’s right to self-determination, emphasizing the need for broader systemic change to protect marginalized communities from erasure and displacement.

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