Gullah Geechee people

The Gullah Geechee people are descendants of enslaved West and Central Africans who were brought to the coastal regions and Sea Islands of South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, and Florida. They have maintained a distinct culture, language, and traditions. Currently, they are facing significant challenges in retaining ancestral family land. Unclear property titles, coupled with rising property taxes and development pressures, are forcing many Gullah Geechee families to sell their land, leading to displacement. In response to this crisis, South Carolina has enacted the Heirs’ Property Tax Relief Act. This new legislation aims to protect vulnerable families by preventing counties from reassessing property values when heirs work to clear their titles or resolve disputes. This development is crucial for preserving the cultural heritage and economic stability of the Gullah Geechee community, highlighting the ongoing struggle to maintain their connection to their land and heritage against modern pressures.