Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
Between May 3–5, people from around the Lowcountry came to The Yamassee Indian Tribe’s Green Corn Cultural Festival, which celebrated the culture and traditions of Yamassee and Gullah Geechee history. The event featured dance, storytelling, history lessons and taught attendees about the connections between the Gullah Geechee people and Native Americans.
“The Green corn is a special celebration and ceremony practiced by my people for centuries,” said Se’khu Hadjo Gentle, head chief of the Yamassee Nation of Seminoles. “It represents a New year and new beginning. But it’s also a time for unity and friendship. This entire area including Hampton was part of our original Settlement and shares our heritage and culture. Our plan is to work with the different counties and townships to bring back unity among the people and our tribe.”
At the Allendale Town Council's May 14 meeting, council member Marlon Creech — who serves on the council's community development committee — praised the outcome of the festival.
"People still came out that weekend, they still felt safe and came out and enjoyed themselves," said Creech. "The kids enjoyed themselves it was a great success, and it was a time that we could appreciate our town."
Elijah de Castro is a Report for America corps member who writes about rural communities like Allendale and Barnwell counties for The People-Sentinel. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep Elijah writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today.
