What…..you say? Geechee Kunda! Geechee is a word that represents the rich African-American culture and history that are hallmarks of Coastal Georgia. Kunda…a Sarakole word meaning “compound” and “home of hope”. Some may say that Geechee is a dying culture, but when you step foot on the grounds of Geechee Kunda in Riceboro, Georgia, you instantly sense that it lives and thrives in this very special place.
Owners, Jim and his wife, Pat, Bacote reside on this property. They built it as a place for remembering, preserving and gathering the history of African-Americans. All sorts of events occur on these grounds that help to inspire and promote both the heritage as well as the arts and culture of a group of slaves who helped to write the history of our state. They toiled in rice and cotton fields, perished making the once cherished “indigo” for dying fabrics and passed their stories and lore down through generations to be honored and upheld.
On the grounds of Geechee Kunda you’ll find a small museum that houses all sorts of artifacts from field tools to common household items used back in the day. Handmade baskets, musical instruments and plenty of Jim Crow memorabilia. One can sense the history, the hopelessness of slavery as well as the jubilation the Geechee infused into their spirits, the only means of hope available to them during their short lives.
A gathering is held yearly at Geechee Kunda. A celebration of the people and their stories combined with dance, music, instruction on herbal healing and ghost tales sure to raise the hair on the back of your neck! And food, I learned that you never visit Geechee Kunda having just eaten. Jim and Pat filled a plate for me with maroon chicken, fresh deviled crab, vine ripened tomatoes and “just picked” peach wedges…so delicious! And Jim’s fried peanuts, something I had never tried, left me wanting more….please!
This is a special place. As the line reads at the bottom of the website: “This is sacred land, the spiritual center for Africans in America… a place for all to come for Empowerment, and Liberation.”
At Geechee Kunda culture is used for mental empowerment, spiritual healing and intellectual liberation. Closed minds may be opened and awareness expanded during a visit to this amazing place. To read more: www.geecheekunda.com
5 Responses
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Marisa Franca @ All Our Way Says:
How far is Riceboro from Saint Simons Island?
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Melissa Says:
It’s about a half hour north on I-95, Marisa. Well worth the short ride!
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Bob Allison Says:
Great story. Sounds like a fine place to visit. Thanks.
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June McCash Says:
I’m so glad to know about the Geechee Kunda. I look forward to a visit.
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Melissa Says:
June, I’d love to go with you! I hope you’re going to be in the area again soon!
