An expert in Gullah culture introduces the rich history of black Charlestonians through a series of local walking tours plus a sightseeing drive. The Gullah people of the Lowcountry South are famous for their cuisine, Creole language, and exquisite crafts—yet there is so much more to this unique culture than most people realize. Alphonso Brown, the owner and operator of Gullah Tours, Inc., guides readers through the history and lore of this storied people in A Gullah Guide to Charlestown. With this volume guiding the way, you can visit Denmark Vesey's home, Catfish Row, the Old Slave Mart and the Market; learn about the sweetgrass basket makers, the Aiken-Rhett House slave quarters, black slave owners and blacksmith Philip Simmons. Brown's distinctive narration, combined with detailed maps and vibrant descriptions in native Gullah, make this an authentic and enjoyable way to experience the Holy City.

Take a journey into Chef Charlotte Jenkins' creative kitchen, and also into her life. Charlotte and her husband Frank grew up Gullah at a time when the Old Ways were giving way to the New Ways, part of the generation that bridged those two worlds. Charlotte learned to cook the way her mama, her grandmamma and all the mamas that have come before her - by working alongside one another. She also trained at Johnson & Wales Culinary Institute in Charleston, where she adapted the traditional recipes to be more healthful. In1997, she and her husband Frank opened Gullah Cuisine in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and were widely acknowledged as offering the best of authentic Gullah cooking. This book brings Charlotte's wonderful recipes to you - and more than that. It's a tale of connection, sharing a world the Gullah built. Narrative is by critically-acclaimed author William P. Baldwin, photographs by Pulitzer Prize-nominee Mic Smith, and art by beloved Gullah painter Jonathan Green.

A “miraculous” (Newsweek) human drama, based on a true story, from the renowned author of The Prince of Tides and The Great Santini The island is nearly deserted, haunting, beautiful. Across a slip of ocean lies South Carolina. But for the handful of families on Yamacraw Island, America is a world away. For years the people here lived proudly from the sea, but now its waters are not safe. Waste from industry threatens their very existence unless, somehow, they can learn a new way. But they will learn nothing without someone to teach them, and their school has no teacher—until one man gives a year of his life to the island and its people. Praise for The Water Is Wide “Miraculous . . . an experience of joy.”—Newsweek “A powerfully moving book . . . You will laugh, you will weep, you will be proud and you will rail . . . and you will learn to love the man.”—Charleston News and Courier “A hell of a good story.”—The New York Times “Few novelists write as well, and none as beautifully.”—Lexington Herald-Leader “[Pat] Conroy cuts through his experiences with a sharp edge of irony. . . . He brings emotion, writing talent and anger to his story.”—Baltimore Sun

There is a hidden treasure on the tongues of Low-country natives. The melodic rhythm of the Gullah Geechee language still rings strong from the South Carolina inland regions to the Sea Island coasts. Whether you are a tourist traveling through the low-country corridor, a come ya who has made the low-country your new home, or a been ya who was born and raised under the moss of the beautiful oak trees, there is always something to learn about Gullah Geechee. This pocket-guide to the Gullah Geechee history, culture, and language will give you a brief introduction to a United States gem.

In the Deep South of antebellum Charleston, enslaved Gullah woman Hentie survives the day-to-day sufferings brought on by her cruel master and the white planter society that controls the institution of slavery. From Hentie's abduction and confinement on a slaver ship, we follow her journey of pain and despair as she begins her new life in a land that causes her much heartache and oppression. Her circumstances are buoyed by the warmth, love and support of her fellow enslaved workers, who lift her up and encourage her to continue on.

Theresa Jenkins Hilliard was born on Edisto Island, SC where she spent her early childhood under the guardianship of her beloved grandmother, Susan Jenkins, affectionately known as Mama Doonk. She developed an interest in cooking at an early age and watched attentively as her grandmother prepared the family meals. Her grandmother always involved her in the preparation of the meals by assigning her to whatever her little hands could do. This was her grandmother's way of teaching her. She later began cooking at an early age under her grandmother's tutelage. She has been preparing Gullah cuisine for her family and friends for the past sixty years. What began as a scrapbook of recipes for her children culminated into "Mama Doonk's Gullah Recipes" Book named for her grandmother. Theresa later moved to the historic Maryville/Ashleyville neighborhood in the West Ashley area of Charleston, on the site where Charleston was founded in 1670, to live with her mother Molly. Molly moved to Charleston during the Great Migration of the 1940s to work as a cook for a wealthy south of Broad Street family. Under her mother's tutelage, Theresa's love for cooking continued to grow. Food was always the focal point of every celebration. No matter the occasion, food was a part of it. Theresa always prepared the celebratory meals, which always included Gullah food. This book includes dishes prepared by her grandmother, her mother, and her aunt, as well as some of Theresa's favorite dishes that she has prepared during the years. You will find her grandmother's rabbit, opossum, and raccoon stew, shrimp and grits, corn fritters, okra soup, and mouthwatering homemade biscuits. She includes her mother's corn muffins and roast duck, as well as, her Aunt Edna's, squash casserole and easy pound cake. Her ancestors were all great cooks. This book gives you a glimpse of history when food were from the land, sea, wood, fields and trees, long before all of the modern conveniences of "store bought" food. Their food was literally from the field to the plate long before it became popular. Theresa adds some antidotes that will make you chuckle as you reminisce. Take a step back in time with her. This book will jog the memory of some and give others a peek into the past. "Hunna en had good eatin' 'til ya' grease ya' mouf' wid Gullah food." (You all haven't had good eating until you've eaten Gullah food). Theresa's descendants were members of a distinctive group of people known as Gullah-Geechee. Theresa stands on the wings of three very special women whose teachings have made a significant impact on her life. This book is dedicated to her beloved grandmother, Mama Doonk, her most treasured mother Molly and her dear aunt, Edna. Their recipes will live on forever between these pages.

Includes ghost stories from the Aiken-Rhett House, the Garden Theater, and the Cooper River Bridge.