The Gullah Geechee community on Sapelo Island embodies a rich history of enslaved Africans who have worked hard to preserve their way of life against the forces of time and development. But when a heartbreaking event saw many of its members killed, it not only caused immense grief within the group but also amplified long-standing frustrations about the island’s infrastructure and the systemic mistreatment of its residents.
At least seven people tragically lost their lives after part of a ferry dock collapsed on Georgia’s Sapelo Island on Saturday, a disastrous event that unfolded during a festival honoring the legacy of the Gullah Geechee community.
By late afternoon, dozens of visitors on the island were gathered at the dock, ready to board the Annemarie ferry back to the mainland near Meridian, GA, in McIntosh County. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and celebration. Still, in an instant, everything turned to horror when witnesses waiting for the ferry heard a loud crack echoing through the air when the middle of the passageway suddenly gave way. About two dozen people were plunged into the cold, fast-moving Duplin River, per reports from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (it oversees the island and operates the ferry service), but it isn’t clear exactly how many people were on the dock at the time.
Panic ensued as screams pierced the festive mood and people watched in disbelief as bodies began to float in the water below. In the midst of the tragedy, others nearby, including many bystanders, bravely jumped into the water to assist with rescue efforts. However, their attempts were hindered by the low tide, which had exposed beds of razor-sharp oyster shells.
Authorities are currently investigating what caused the devastating accident. Melvin Amerson, the McIntosh County coroner, believed that most of the fatalities were due to drowning but he is awaiting the results of autopsies to confirm the exact causes of death. On Monday, state officials said they removed the structure as part of an investigation into its “catastrophic structural failure” but gave no updates on the cause of the collapse.
The annual festival on Sapelo Island—it is the most happening affair of the year—celebrates the rich Gullah Geechee culture, attracting hundreds of visitors from Georgia and around the world. Attendees can indulge in traditional Gullah Geechee cuisine, such as smoked mullet, and enjoy performances featuring poetry and African spirituals. It is a vibrant celebration of the community’s heritage and offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the distinct culture.
The island, accessible by ferry, is home to only a few dozen residents throughout the year. They are descendants of enslaved Africans from West and Central Africa who were forced to work on plantations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Their geographical isolation posed challenges for travel, prompting them to blend their tribal languages with English, resulting in the creation of a new language known as Gullah.
Today, many Gullah Geechee communities can be found along the coasts of the Carolinas, Georgia and northern Florida.
Some residents questioned whether Georgia officials, who oversee much of the island, really did enough to prepare the dock for the surge of hundreds of visitors during the festivities. While officials pointed out that they had set up extra ferry runs to accommodate the crowd, they didn’t completely dismiss the idea that the spike in traffic might have played a role in the dock’s unfortunate collapse.
“We don’t want just a state investigation – the state did it,” Josiah Watts, 53, a resident and member of the Sapelo Island Cultural and Revitalization Society, told the New York Times. “We need the federal government to come down here.”
The gangway was most recently inspected in December by Crescent Equipment Company, a marine equipment business based about 25 miles inland, according to state officials. The company, which declined to comment on Monday, conducted the inspection on both sides of the gangway and reported “no areas of concern,” as stated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. A spokesperson for Governor Brian Kemp, who has joined other elected officials in expressing condolences to the community, chose not to address questions regarding the state’s involvement, citing the ongoing investigation.
The devastation has left a profound impact on the community, particularly as the victims who lost their lives are all over the age of 70. They traveled from various parts of Georgia and Florida to celebrate the rich culinary and musical traditions of the Gullah Geechee culture. The gathering was meant to be a joyful occasion, bringing together individuals who share a deep appreciation for their heritage. Maurice Bailey, a local resident, expressed the shock of the event, noting that “we’ve never had a mass casualty event on Sapelo.”
His words resonate deeply within the community, as he emphasizes the need to shift the focus towards supporting one another during this difficult time and “what we do to help everybody get through this, and hopefully, it’ll come out positive.”
Legal action is likely to follow the recent collapse, as prominent civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Bakari Sellers announced on Monday that they would be representing victims affected by the incident. This lawsuit is poised to add yet another layer to the already complex legal landscape facing the Creole-speaking residents of Sapelo Island, who proudly trace their ancestry back to Africans who were forcibly brought to the American Southeast. The Sapelo Island community stands as the largest Gullah Geechee group within the designated heritage corridor that stretches from Florida to North Carolina, emphasizing the cultural significance of their fight for justice.
Currently, they occupy about 434 acres of land known as Hogg Hummock or Hog Hammock, which is unique as the only privately owned parcel on the island amidst a backdrop of mostly state-owned reserves.
This legal battle could not only highlight the ongoing struggles of the Gullah Geechee people but also potentially open the door for much-needed reparations and acknowledgment of their historical grievances. As the situation unfolds, the involvement of high-profile lawyers like Crump and Sellers raises the stakes, ensuring that the voices of these resilient communities will not be silenced in their quest for justice and equity. With the complexities of history, land ownership, and cultural heritage weaving through the fabric of this case, the outcome could set significant precedents for similar communities across the nation.
The island, despite receiving some level of protection, such as a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, continues to face significant challenges from wealthier landowners and tourists who encroach upon their heritage and way of life.
“People have really been struggling just to hold onto what’s theirs – to pass down, for future generations, their place,” said Joyce White, interim director of the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Center at Georgia Southern University. “And Sapelo is a special place. It’s unspoiled.”
The group’s resilience was showcased in 2021 when they successfully negotiated a multimillion-dollar settlement with the state and surrounding county, addressing what they described as a “policy of malign neglect” towards the Gullah Geechee people on the island. This victory was not just about financial restitution; it was a significant step toward reclaiming their cultural integrity and securing their legacy against the tide of gentrification and outside interests that threaten their way of life. The dock’s reconstruction symbolizes this ongoing fight for recognition and respect, as locals strive to maintain their connection to the land and ensure that their unique cultural practices are not lost to the pressures of modern development.
The recent state settlement aimed at improving infrastructure in McIntosh County is a mixed bag because it includes plans for the construction of “new aluminum gangways” and enhancements to emergency medical services and ferry accessibility. However, some critical improvements, such as a much-needed helicopter pad for emergency use, remain incomplete. This lag in progress is frustrating for community members who rely on these services for safety and accessibility.
Residents are also engaged in a legal battle over proposed changes to zoning rules that would permit the construction of larger homes. Many locals fear that this shift will drive property taxes up, potentially displacing the Gullah Geechee community and their deep historical and cultural ties to the area. To combat this, they have been active in filing and refiling lawsuits against county officials, standing firm in their fight to protect their homes and heritage from what they view as an invasion of their very existence.
The county has denied allegations claiming it failed to adequately involve Sapelo residents in the zoning process, asserting that it followed all necessary protocols and outreach efforts.
Recently, residents have also sought to challenge the zoning changes through a referendum, aiming to reclaim a voice in the decision-making process. However, their attempts were thwarted last month when a Superior Court judge dismissed the ballot, leaving the community feeling frustrated and unheard. Now, the situation hangs in the balance as the possibility of an appeal looms, which could escalate the matter all the way to the Georgia Supreme Court.
The community’s struggles call for critical attention to their ongoing fight for recognition and rights in a world that has often overlooked them. Despite centuries of marginalization, they stand firm, advocating for their identity and heritage. While their legal advocates bring vital expertise to the table, emphasizing the importance of restitution not only for the individuals affected but also for the broader Gullah Geechee culture, the lawsuits aren’t merely about reclaiming lost land or resources.
They embody a larger quest for racial justice and acknowledgment of the historical oppression that African American communities have long suffered.
By addressing these significant issues, the case serves as a powerful reminder of the need for societal change and healing that aims to rectify past wrongs while paving the way for a more equitable future. The implications of this fight resonate far beyond Sapelo Island, as it sparks conversations about land rights, cultural continuity, and the enduring impact of systemic racism.
“It’s not just about housing,” White added. “This is deeper than that. This is about culture, and this is about these people who are preserving their culture, and the threat to that culture that’s coming in with economic development.”
