North Charleston Comes Together to Honor Community Elders
In a heartfelt demonstration of community solidarity, Northern Charleston is coming together to honor the lives lost in the Sapelo Island incident, which shocked residents not only in South Carolina but also resonated across nations, touching places as far away as the Kingdom of Igala in Nigeria. Last week, tragedy struck during a Gullah Geechee Cultural Day celebration when a dock collapsed, sending twenty people into the water. Seven elders from the community tragically lost their lives that day, leaving a profound impact on their loved ones and the broader community.
Remembering Our Elders
This week, the North Charleston Community Resource Center took action to honor these cherished individuals. Executive Director Louis Smith spoke about the nature of the tragedy, stating, “When they fell off that plank, they did not have a chance.” The elders who passed away—Carlotta McIntosh, Charles Houston, Queen Welch, William Johnson Jr., Isaiah Thomas, Cynthia Gobbs, and Jacqueline Crews Carter—were pillars of the community, beloved by both their families and those within the extended cultural network.
“These elders did not die in vain. They were truly loved,” expressed Smith. To honor their memory, the resource center organized a community event to give back. They provided school supplies and groceries to families in need, emphasizing the importance of community and humanitarian gestures that are at the heart of Gullah culture.
A Celebration of Unity
During the event, Lori Johnson, the local representative for the Igala Kingdom in Nigeria, spoke on behalf of the king and ambassador, reminding everyone of the unity of the Gullah family. “No matter where we are, we are one. We absolutely are one family. And whatever happens to someone somewhere, no matter their location—it’s all of us as Gullah family,” she proclaimed, signifying the connection that spans cultures and continents.
Johnson emphasized her desire to educate and inform people about their rich history, a passion rooted in her own upbringing. Although she was born in New York, her family ties immerse her in the Gullah Geechee culture, as her parents and grandparents hailed from the Lowcountry. Summers spent learning about her background inspire her to help others embrace their heritage.
Legacy of Resilience
“We know the Sapelo Seven will do their very best to help open the eyes of our people. And not only our people but anybody who wants to know,” said Johnson, underscoring the importance of communication and education about the Gullah community’s history, culture, and values.
Her call to action is not just about remembrance, but about instilling a sense of pride in one’s roots. “And that’s what the culture of the Gullah people is— to help one another, to give and to strengthen one another,” she concluded with hope for the future of the community.
Moving Forward Together
In the face of tragedy, the North Charleston community continues to show remarkable resilience. They are turning their grief into action, fostering connections among people while ensuring that the legacy of their elders lives on. The support from both local and international community members exemplifies how, even in sorrow, a collective spirit can emerge, celebrating the lives of those lost while uplifting the community through acts of kindness and togetherness.
As the Gullah Geechee culture inspires unity across distances, the memories of the elders will certainly remain alive in the hearts of the community, guiding the next generation toward a future filled with pride, love, and hope.
