We're Turning 40!

When I realized that this would be the 40th blog post, I decided to make it about the Original Gullah Festival of South Carolina, Inc. I am thrilled to be a part of this rich legacy. You may or may not have noticed that my last name is the same as some of the co-founders of this wonderful festival. As a child growing up in NJ, my experience with the Gullah Festival was simply hanging out with my cousins Memorial Day Weekend. Fast forward, as we got older, my cousins and I started serving on festival committees. Today, some of my cousins are committee chairpersons! But one cousin in particular, has picked up the head torch and has been running with it for quite a few years now. Thomas Roy Hicks, the President and CEO of the Gullah Festival, has been working hard to make this an awesome event for the community and for all who travel from all over the world to experience the Gullah culture through what we call edutainment.

Original Gullah Festival President & CEO, Thomas Roy Hicks and Co-Founder & Tours Chair, Reba Pazant

Co-Founder & past president, Charlotte Pazant-Brown and Singer, CeCe Peniston

When I tell people I am the Vending Chair and Outreach Director, they wonder how I'm able to do what I do from New Jersey. I tell them it's a labor of love! I am not the only one who does the behind the scenes work from out of town. I am one of many! There are quite a few volunteers who travel from out of town. We travel from Florida, Atlanta, North Carolina, New York and even as far away as Texas. I can't forget to mention the volunteers with their feet on the ground in Beaufort. They do not go unappreciated. We are all getting ready for you.

I want to take a moment to thank all the people who have been coming to the Gullah Festival since Day 1! There are even vendors and volunteers who have been with us since Day 1! We are truly a blessed organization. As a 501(C)(3) Non-Profit organization, it has not always been easy. We rely on grants and donations to keep the festival going. More importantly, we rely on God. He has covered us for 40 years and we are grateful. We are also grateful to our loyal patrons. We know you travel from all over as well. As you make your way to Beaufort, SC to be with us, I pray for your safe travels. Get ready to celebrate Gullah style!