Local advocates organize meeting about concerns over Gullah Geechee burial sites threatened by new development

JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) – Local advocates are expected to host a community meeting concerning Gullah Geechee burial sites this weekend.

Organizers will discuss the Gullah Geechee settlement community’s graveyards, mainly focusing on Honey Hill and Seabrook/Lynville cemeteries. This comes as advocates are concerned amid increasing development around these areas.

“Through my experience being on county council I have come in contact with other areas that have problems with cemeteries. With development coming in the area, people are not giving access to the cemetery like they have before,” Anna Johnson, a former Charleston County council member, said. “So, I just want to make sure this is an opportunity for others to come out and learn about where the cemeteries are that have been mapped out. Some of the descendants may not have known because they are young people now.”

The Preservation Society of Charleston is expected to provide information about burial grounds and Historic Studies Limited will offer ways businesses can support these communities before construction. Johnson said one developer in Johns Island contacted her, which is not always the case, as this is an ongoing issue.

“The developer did contact me about locating descendants in the area, so they can talk with them – let them know that this is our plans for building etc. I thought that was great thing that they came to the community to find out who the descendants were and how they can come to kind of agreement about what to do with the cemetery,” said Johnson. 

Some burial sites have signs and fences around them, while others do not or are still being uncovered.

In partnership with the City of Charleston, a map is now available with locations of the African American burial grounds, which will also be shown at the meeting. Johnson added that bringing attention to these graveyards, she hopes these cemeteries will continue to serve as reminders of the Gullah Geechee history in the Lowcountry.

“Gullah Geechee preservation is very important to me because I can see the disappearance of some the communities. Before long, all we are going to have is the cemetery it looks like because people who are young are not able to purchase land on James Island or some of islands they have been raised up on – and they’re leaving,” Johnson said.

The meeting will be held on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 11 a.m. at the Baxter Patrick Library.