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Beaufort County proclaims Gullah Geechee Nation Appreciation Week; Queen Quet urges cultural stewardship
Summary
Council proclaimed July 26–Aug 2, 2025 as Gullah Geechee Nation Appreciation Week. Queen Quet addressed the council and public, urging preservation of Sea Island culture and describing planned community events at the Penn Center and across Saint Helena Island.
Beaufort County Council on June 9 proclaimed July 26–August 2, 2025 as Gullah Geechee Nation Appreciation Week. Council member Glover read the proclamation, noting the Gullah Geechee Nation’s long-standing cultural contributions and the 25th anniversary of the nation’s leadership. The proclamation was signed by Council Chair Alice Howard.
Queen Quet (introduced at the meeting) addressed the council and the public, delivering an extended reflection on heritage, stewardship and the value of local vantage points for preserving the Sea Islands’ cultural and natural resources. She recounted local harvest traditions, the Penn Center’s role in education and summer programming and the need to sustain the islands against development pressures. "Stay in the field, harvesting the truth," she said, urging continued community engagement and attendance at island events during the appreciation week.
Councilmembers and several public speakers thanked Queen Quet and the Penn Center for their cultural work. David Yokely Mitchell, who identified himself as the board chair of the Penn Center, called the center an "anchor for society" and praised the county’s recognition. The proclamation and the remarks underline ongoing county interest in cultural preservation and community celebration.
