​Georgia State University (GSU) has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation to establish the Gullah Geechee Sacred Land Project (GGSLP), an initiative aimed at preserving the cultural heritage and sacred sites of the Gullah Geechee communities in Georgia and South Carolina. ​

The Gullah Geechee people, descendants of enslaved West Africans, have maintained a distinct culture and language along the southeastern coast of the United States. However, their communities face ongoing threats from climate change, gentrification, and land development. ​ 

“The Mellon Foundation continues to be a generous partner of Georgia State University, and we’re grateful for their belief in the significance of our mission and commitment to providing students with valuable research and academic opportunities that prepare them for careers as they uplift underserved and underrepresented communities,” said Georgia State President M. Brian Blake in a statement released by the school. “This partnership with the Mellon Foundation will enable students to conduct and access groundbreaking research and meaningfully connect with the people and histories that make up one of the most innovative learning environments in the country.”

The GGSLP, led by GSU professors Ras Michael Brown and Tiffany A. Player, focuses on protecting African American burial grounds and preserving spiritual, genealogical, and cultural traditions. The project will involve research, preservation, and community engagement, offering students immersive learning experiences. GSU plans to introduce new academic courses and a Cultural Resource Management certificate, enhancing students’ opportunities to engage with and support the Gullah Geechee community. ​

This initiative underscores the importance of honoring the legacy of the Gullah Geechee ancestors and sustaining their cultural heritage for future generations.