The colors of Gullah

A series of events celebrating the Gullah culture kicks off Tuesday and will include festivities on Hilton Head Island and here in Bluffton.

Schedule of events

Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration opening reception and art exhibit
When: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1
Where: Walter Greer Gallery, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane
Description: The "De Arts Ob We People XIV" is a month-long art exhibit kicks off the 2011 Gullah Celebration with a grand opening reception, featuring the crowning of Miss Gullah Celebration 2011, and announcement of the grand marshal for the Freedom Day parade. A live auction of original art will feature the painting voted "favorite painting" by exhibit visitors participating in the "2010 Best of Show Survey." Live music, Gullah-oriented refreshments, and a diverse display of original paintings, sweet grass baskets, and sculptures will boost this event, along with appearances from established and emerging artists from the Lowcountry.
Cost: $15

National Freedom Day breakfast and parade
When: Saturday, Feb. 5
Where: St. James Baptist Church, 209 Dillon Road, Hilton Head Island
Description: National Freedom Day was established in 1948 by President Truman in remembrance of Feb. 1, 1865, the day President Lincoln signed the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which outlawed slavery. Three special events will mark this historic occasion and the sesquicentennial of the Civil War.
 8 a.m.: Ol' fashion Gullah breakfast, prepared by native islanders. The breakfast will include stewed oysters, shrimp and grits, fried fish, biscuits and beverages. The cost is $10.
10 a.m.: Inaugural Gullah celebration parade
 Noon: Showing of "Remnants of Mitchelville," a feature film.
2 p.m.: Freedom Day program will focus on Historic Mitchelville, the first freedman's village and the lifestyle of the Gullah people during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Friends and family night
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8
Where: First African Baptist Chruch, 70 Beach City Road, Hilton Head Island
Description: Gullah Historian, Emory Campbell, will present, "Looking Back on Our Gullah Heritage." Local choir Voices of El Shaddai, will perform, as will local musician Lavon Stevens. Be sure to stay for the gospel praise team dancers, and others.

A Taste of Gullah
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12
Where: Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane
Description: This Gullah feast features authentic Gullah dishes such as gumbo and conch stews, as well as classic barbecue ribs, fried fish and chicken and more. Noon entertainment will feature live performances by Gullah storyteller Louise M. Cohen, the Voices of El Shaddai and others.
Cost: $10

"Malcolm, Martin, Medgar"
When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13
Where: Hampton Hall Community Clubhouse, 2 Hampton Hall Blvd., Bluffton
Description: A play and dramatic reading, "Malcolm, Martin, Medgar," will be presented by a host of local actors: Edward Days, Louis Rivers and Tony Grant. The play was written by A. Peter Bailey, a nationally-renowned author and television commentator.
Details: 815-8730
Cost: $10

Gullah celebration in Sea Pines
When: 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13
Where: Sea Pines Resort, conference center
Description: A variety show celebrating the Gullah culture will include music, drama, and family-style entertainment; hosted and produced by local entertainer Lavon Stevens. Traditional Gullah food and artwork will be available for purchase.
Cost: $10

Gullah film series
When: 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 14
Where: Coligny Theater, Coligny Plaza, 1 North Forest Beach Dr., Hilton Head Island
Description: Native islander and Gullah historian, Emory Campbell, chairman of the National Gullah/Geechee Heritage Corridor Commission, will host a film, "Charlotte Forten's Mission," starring Melba Moore. The film covers the true story of President Lincoln's "great experiment" at the Penn Center on St. Helena Island.
Cost: $5

De Gullah Youth Musical
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18
Where: Hilton Head Boys & Girls Club, 151 Gumtree Road, Hilton Head Island
Description: "Mitchelville," is a play depicting the lifestyle of the Gullah People around the turn of the 19th century. Youngsters from the native island community will express this story through music, singing, dialogue, dancing and acting.
Cost: $10 adults; $5 children

Arts, Crafts and Food Expo
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20
Where: Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn, 70 Honey Horn Drive. A rain venue will be the Hilton Head Island School for the Creative Arts, 10 Wilborn Road.
Description: The two-day Arts, Crafts and Food Expo will offer cultural demonstrations, authentic Gullah and African crafts, as well as of traditional Gullah foods and musical entertainment. There are more than 50 vendors, activities for children and staged performances every half hour. Murray Christopher will present quilt making, basket weaving and fishnet weaving.
Cost: $5 adults; $3 children
Gullah film series
When: 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 21
Where: Coligny Theater, Coligny Plaza, 1 North Forest Beach Dr., Hilton Head Island
Description: Native islander and Gullah historian, Emory Campbell, chairman of the National Gullah/Geechee Heritage Corridor Commission, will host a film, "Glory," starring Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman. "Glory" depicts the true story of the first black regiment in the Civil War, the 54th Massachusetts.

Fish Creek 5K walk/run and health screening
When: Saturday, Feb. 26
Where: St. James Baptist Church Annex, 208 Dillon Road, Hilton Head Island
Details: 7 a.m. registration; 7:30 a.m. health screening; 8 a.m. run and walk.
Cost: $20, includes T-shirt

Lowcountry Heritage Breeds Festival
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 26
Where: Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn
Description: In partnership with the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, the Coastal Discovery Museum will host breeders of heritage breed farm animals that were historically used in the Lowcountry. Animals will include marsh tacky horses, mammoth Jackstock mule, Guinea hogs, Pineywoods cattle, Leghorn chickens, and more. In addition to the live-animal displays, representatives from the ALBC will present two programs: "Breeds of the Southeast," "Marsh Tacky Talk" and a "Meet the Animals" guided walk throughout the day. New this year, "Make your own tacky hat" for the Marsh Tacky Race the next day.
Cost: Free

3rd Annual Marsh Tacky Run and Exhibition
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Coligny Beach Park
Description: The event showcases the Marsh "Mash" Tacky horses, which played an integral role in the survival of the Gullah people on Hilton Head Island. They were used for cultivating the fields, transportation and sports. At Christmas time, the Gullah men would have a horse race to determine who had bragging rights for the fastest horse on the Island.
Cost: A donation of $5 is requested