GULLAH FUTURES LAB
The Gullah Futures Lab is a dynamic initiative under the Gullah Geechee Futures Project, designed to blend traditional and folk art with innovative digital and immersive experiences. Rooted in Gullah Geechee heritage, the Lab aims to educate, inspire, and engage diverse audiences through hands-on learning and cultural preservation. The Lab will culminate with the debut of Cast. Sewn. Forged: The Art of Gullah Geechee Labor, a traveling exhibition opening in Fall 2025.
In March 2025, for the NC Rice Festival and the Brunswick Arts Council collaboration, the Gullah Futures Lab will bring together renowned Gullah Geechee artisans and educators to present an unforgettable program that emphasizes storytelling, craftsmanship, and resilience. The lab's activities will complement the shelter and youth programming areas, offering both historical interpretation and interactive opportunities.
Activities for Historic Interpretation Youth Area
Jalen Gordon, Forager, Sweetgrass Artist
Sweetgrass Basket Demonstration and Foraging Walk with Jalen Gordon: Highlighting the artistry and cultural significance of basketry while incorporating materials foraged from Sapelo Island and Brunswick County. He will craft a large fanna basket incorporating materials harvested from throughout the Corridor.
Julian Williams, Blacksmith Artist
Blacksmithing Demonstration by Julian Williams:
Trained under Philip Simmons, Julian will showcase traditional Gullah blacksmith techniques. We will integrate this demonstration into the historic interpretation pathway. He will craft an iron installation for the exhibition.
Stanley Walker, Forager, Cast Net Artist
Cast Net Making Demonstration and Foraging Walk with Stanley Walker: A rare opportunity for youth to learn about the craft of cast nets and their historical importance in Gullah Geechee communities. He will work with Jalen & Tendaji to make a 10-12 foot cast net.
Tendaji Bailey, Griot, Gullah Folk Artist
Storytelling and Cultural Education with Tendaji Bailey: Aligning with Tendaji’s music & art sessions, the Lab will provide additional narrative elements focusing on Gullah Geechee history, resilience, and culture, creating a cohesive storytelling experience. He will write and record an original song honoring the legacy of land ownership and labor.
Lisa Green Moore, Maker, Quilter
Quilting with Lisa Greene Moore: Showcasing the storytelling and cultural importance of quilting, Lisa will guide participants through the process of creating quilt patterns inspired by Gullah Geechee heritage. She will craft a quilt telling the story of General Harriet Tubman’s presence in the Gullah Sea Islands during the Civil War. (This will take place in the Summer of 2025)
Ananda Lo, Forager, Fiber Artist
Sweetgrass Basket Making and Harvesting with Ananda Lo: Highlighting the variety of natural materials used across the corridor to make sweetgrass baskets, Ananda will share the significance of basketry while incorporating materials foraged from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. (This will take place in the Summer of 2025)
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Tyanna Parker-West
COMMUNITY PARTNER, NORTH CAROLINA
Tyanna Parker-West is a dedicated public historian, performance artist, and a proud Gullah Geechee woman with ancestral roots in Brunswick County, North Carolina, dating back to the early 1800s. She is currently a second-year PhD student at North Carolina State University, focusing on African American History and Heritage Preservation. While at North Carolina Central University, Tyanna’s Master’s thesis delved into the Gullah connections found in Brunswick County, migrations of Gullah people from Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia into the Lower Cape Fear Region, as well as examining how Gullah Geechee descendants in North Carolina today can learn and celebrate their culture. Examining her research and community engagement underscores her commitment to uncovering and preserving the rich history of her community.
