Gullah Geechee Commission management plan

NPS Gullah Geechee Coordinator Michael Allen wrote to Historic City News on behalf of Chairmen Emory Campbell and the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Commission to thank everyone who attended one of the 21 public meetings for their participation and cooperation in the development of the commission’s management plan.

The Commission’s Vision is “to recognize and sustain an environment that celebrates the legacy and continuing contributions of Gullah/Geechee people to our American Heritage”

In 2006 Congress established the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor which extends roughly from Wilmington, NC to Jacksonville Fl. The Commission is developing a management plan. Grassroots Community Groups, Community leaders along with the General public have been identified through this initial phases as potential partners who have an interest in the management plan. The management plan will take 3 years to complete and we are also cordially inviting educators, historian, clergy and community advocates to join us as we move forward in developing this plan.

As the next planning phases of the management plan are developed your input will be assessed for development of the General Management plan which is be coordinated by the Denver Services Center. In addition we will work diligently to develop strategies for expanded partnership and fund raising. We will also be seeking additional comments from governmental entities and elected officials on how Gullah/Geechee resources, arts, and traditions should be preserved, interpreted and managed in the future. This group will also be encourage to comment on places, issues and items that have been and are important to the Gullah Geechee heritage in their respective cities, towns, counties and communities.

Partnership is vital to the success of this plan. Please join the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission in this quest to develop and implement the management plan for the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor. We respect your community awareness and needs and will work diligence to ensure that the Management plan reflects your values and input.

Please visit this website (www.nps.gov.guge) for further information and notification of future meetings