WHEREAS, the Gullah Geechee people are descendants of Africans who were enslaved in the coastal regions of the southeastern United States; and

 

WHEREAS, the Gullah Geechee people have preserved a distinct cultural heritage rooted in African traditions, including unique language, music, art, crafts, foodways, storytelling, and spiritual traditions; and

 

WHEREAS, Gullah Geechee culture represents an important part of the history of the United States, reflecting the resilience, creativity, and enduring contributions of generations of African Americans; and

 

WHEREAS, raising awareness of Gullah Geechee history and culture provides an opportunity to honor the contributions of Gullah Geechee communities, educate Virginians about this important heritage, and support efforts to preserve and celebrate these traditions for future generations; and

 

WHEREAS, communities, cultural organizations, historians, educators, artists, and advocates continue to work to preserve Gullah Geechee language, traditions, historic sites, and cultural practices and to ensure that this heritage remains a vibrant part of our shared history;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize October 2026 as GULLAH GEECHEE CULTURAL HERITAGE AWARENESS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.