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Although, economic suppression has taken its toll on descendants on Sapelo Island due to the mass exodus in search of an economic opportunity, the creation of the Geechee Gullah Cultural Interpretive Village is imperative due to its ability to create a multitude of full time jobs for descendants. In recent years, generations leave the island in search of financial stability after high school graduation. We understand that family members will be more willing to come home with economic possibilities in place. Therefore, the Memorandum of Agreement between SICARS and the Sapelo Island Heritage Authority, an instrumentality of the State of Georgia that was signed July 1, 2008 has been a huge leap forward for the Geechee Gullah Nation on Sapelo. This memorandum calls for the development of a Cultural Interpretive Village at SICARS expense, with the State of Georgia conveying 25 acres (valued at $5 million dollars) for the village site, provided SICARS could raise the capital and construct Phase I within 2 years of signing the memorandum. With the land in place, our efforts are now focused on the fundraising for the $1,632,000.00 necessary to construct the Geechee Gullah Cultural Interpretive Village. As we continue to strive for success, we have not yet aligned ourselves with any type of large funding sources (endowments, philanthropist, etc.) to assist us in acquiring the necessary capital to begin construction. In that sense, EVERY effort is appreciated.
SICARS has launched its capital campaign for the construction capital for
the Geechee Gullah Cultural Interpretive Village to be nestled in the Hogg
Hummock Historic District on Sapelo Island. All construction
contributions can be made at any Bank of America nation wide. On this
page you will find a copy of the letter of support from VP of Development,
Reginald Hall that includes the account and routing number. Additionally,
a slide show and virtual tour of the proposed Geechee Gullah Cultural
Interpretive Village is viewable below.
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