UNDERSTANDING THE POWER OF HBCU'S
22 HBCU's students from all over the United States come together to research the Gullah Geechee heritage and learn more about their cultural roots.
CIG CERTIFICATION
MOREHOUSE COLLEGE - On June 3, 2025 students from HBCU's all over the nation began their CIG(Certified Interpretive Guide) course with Erica Veal as she taught us how to intentionally approach communication with unique and meaningful experiences. During this 40 week course we also learned about the vision of NAI ( National Association for Interpretation) and how they strive to professionally develop those who desire to shared natural and cultural heritage.
"NAI's vision of honoring culture through storytelling while maintaining professionalism taught me how to lead with purpose and pride," said Oreal Murphy, a senior at Benedict College. Driven by her passion for self-care , Oreal aspires to create a natural hair and skincare line that empowers others to feel beautiful and confident.
At the conclusion of the program, each scholar delivered a personalized presentation showcasing their understanding of the interpreter’s role and the knowledge they gained throughout the course.
South-View Cemetery
Founded in 1886 by formerly enslaved African Americans who objected to the conditions and the treatment they received at Atlanta’s segregated burial grounds. This cemetery represents a powerful representation of legacy and resilience, and African American heritage in Atlanta.
As students toured this historical site of over 100 acres of land where more than 70,000 people lay at rest , they were able to view the resting spots of notable people such as Hank Aaron, Martin Luther King Sr , and John Lewis.
A Beacon of African American Heritage: The Penn Center
Richly rooted in community development, Black education, and the Civil Rights Movement the Penn Center located on St. Helena Island, South Carolina was the next stop along the Gullah Geechee corridor. Founded in 1862 as the first school in the South for free slaves and also a retreat location for Dr. Martin Luther King as he wrote his "I Have a Dream" speech and planned the march on Washington.
The retreat house and dock were both built in 1968, the year that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was killed. It was planned for him to have this dedicated space to have meetings and also have a place for meditation and relaxation at the dock.
Students then traveled down to the Reconstruction Era National Historic Park where they visited the Robert Smalls statue. Robert Smalls is an exceptional African American figure to American history. He was born into slavery , was a U.S. Congressman , Civil War hero , and a symbol of Black resilience. This statue is significant because it is the first African American statue at South Carolina Statehouse. Robert Smalls stole a ship from the white crew members while enslaved and went to save his family and others who were enslaved.
Next stop was Gullah Grub located on Sea Island Pkwy, St Helena Island, SC where students heard motivational remarks from Mrs. Sera Renolds Green, who discussed her plans to restore the structure behind the restaurant and even asked for some of the students what could they vision the structure possibly becoming. She has a vision of transforming the place into an area that represents and celebrates the Gullah culture and heritage. St Helena Island has one of the strongest and most well-preserved connections to Gullah Geechee culture so having a site where people can go and learn more about this heritage is vital for the area.
"The Praise House is an extension from the church" - Deacon Smalls
A praise house is not just a building, it is a sacred space historically used by enslaved Africans particularly within the Gullah Geechee community for worship, cultural preservations, and community meetings.
St. Helena Island elder, Deacon James Peter Smalls is no stranger to the praise house as he shared the former process of how to become a member of the church in an interview.
Camp Saxton
On January 1, 1863 the Emancipation Proclamation was first read in the South at Camp Saxton to the men of the regiment, along with hundreds of other formerly enslaved people. Also here at this location is the Fort Fredrick Heritage Preserve, home to the oldest surviving tabby structure in the county. Fort Frederick was constructed by the British colonial government between 1733 and 1735 and still stands as a lasting monument to this significant event in American history.
Juneteenth is a U.S. holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Full of community gatherings, music, parades, and most importantly a reflection of African American history.
The Campbell Wright interns spent June 14th helping vendors set help and volunteering in other areas where needed to help this celebration of freedom and resilience come to life.