Friday, May 16, 2008
Africa culture in America threatened by development
When the American Civil War ended and West African slaves burnt the plantations on Sapelo Island as the white owners fled to mainland Georgia. What developed was a microcosm of the West African culture, which was still fresh in the minds of many of the newly freed slaves setting up their community.
Today the Atlantic island is a popular destination for tourists who want to learn more about this unique “Geechee” culture.
However the culture, which has survived for over a hundred years, is now under attack by development. Former residents left the island during the Great Depression and recent economic downturn. They are being offered huge sums for the property they still own on the island by developers seeing profits from the possibilities presented by the strategic recreational location of Sapelo. ¶ 5/16/2008
When the American Civil War ended and West African slaves burnt the plantations on Sapelo Island as the white owners fled to mainland Georgia. What developed was a microcosm of the West African culture, which was still fresh in the minds of many of the newly freed slaves setting up their community.Today the Atlantic island is a popular destination for tourists who want to learn more about this unique “Geechee” culture.
However the culture, which has survived for over a hundred years, is now under attack by development. Former residents left the island during the Great Depression and recent economic downturn. They are being offered huge sums for the property they still own on the island by developers seeing profits from the possibilities presented by the strategic recreational location of Sapelo. ¶ 5/16/2008
