Arts Ensemble students discover Gullah culture with travel, research

"The tour gives students a chance to focus on the rich Gullah culture, an important part of American history and the fabric of our society," said Black Cultural Center director Renee Thomas. "They will learn about the culture of Gullah, which is the most intact West African culture in the United States. Because of their geographic isolation and strong cohesive community life, the Gullah have retained many elements of their African heritage in language, crafts, diet and religious customs."

The tour's destinations and activities follow the center's Cultural Arts Series theme for the semester, "One Step Closer: Journeying Home Through the Hearts and Heritage of the Gullah People." Students will take part in various cultural activities on St. Helena Island and in Charleston, where 40 percent of African slaves entered the United States during the Atlantic Slave Trade.

On St. Helena Island, students will stay at the historic Penn Center founded in 1862 as the first schools for African Americans newly freed from slavery. Students will participate in a creative writing workshop with Natalie Daise, creator of the Nick Jr. television show "Gullah Gullah Island," visit the York Bailey Museum, perform for the local community and attend religious services at Brick Baptist Church, which was built by slaves in 1855. In addition, they will learn the traditional artistry of sweet grass basket-making and indigo batik dyeing from local artisans.

In Charleston, the students will tour the city, hear recitations of Gullah folk tales, participate in a traditional African dance class and see a production of Alice Childress' play, "The Wedding Band." They also will research records and documents at the Avery Center for Research and attend a master class in theater taught by faculty from the University of Charleston.

Following the tour, the students will present what they learn about the Gullah culture through dance, drama, singing and creative writing at the center's Cultural Arts Festival. The artistic showcase will be performed at 7 p.m. Dec. 1 at Stewart Center's Loeb Playhouse. Call (765) 494-3092 for ticket information.

The center's four performing arts ensembles are the Black Voices of Inspiration, a choir that specializes in gospel music, spirituals and contemporary songs by African-American composers; Haraka Writers, a group of student poets, essayists and short-story writers; Jahari Dance Troupe, which performs a repertoire including African, ballet, folk, jazz, tap and modern dance; and the New Directional Players, a theater group with a focus on presenting drama about the African-American experience.

Writer: Bethany Bannister-Andrews, (765) 494-2073, bbannister@purdue.edu

Source: Renee Thomas, (765) 494-3092, rathomas@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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