Sapelo Island Tragedy Highlights Gullah Geechee Community Resilience

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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KEY TAKEAWAYS
The gangway collapse on Sapelo Island occurred during the Gullah Geechee Cultural Day event.
Seven individuals lost their lives, all of whom were over 70 years old.
An investigation into the collapse is being led by engineering specialists and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
The gangway had been rebuilt in 2021 following claims of neglect and had passed recent inspections.
Legal representation for the victims is being provided by civil rights attorneys amid demands for accountability.
The incident raises significant concerns regarding infrastructure safety and the community’s cultural preservation challenges.

Disaster Hits Gullah Geechee Celebration on Sapelo Island

The Gullah Geechee Nation is dealing with a tragedy that occurred during a cultural celebration on Sapelo Island, Georgia. On a Saturday in October 2024, a joyful event turned tragic when a gangway at the Marsh Landing Dock collapsed, sending about 20 people into the water. Seven people died, and several others were hurt, raising questions about safety and maintenance on the island.

The collapse took place during the annual fall Cultural Day event, which focuses on the Hogg Hummock community and celebrates the Gullah Geechee people’s heritage. Around 700 visitors had gathered for this event. The gangway, connecting the outer dock to the land, broke while people were waiting to board a ferry back to the mainland.

Emergency teams, including the U.S. Coast Guard and local police and fire departments, quickly responded. Sadly, seven people died, and three remained in critical condition afterward (NBC News).

The Victims of Sapelo Island

All victims were over 70 years old and had traveled to the island for the celebration. None lived on the island. They were identified as:

• Jacqueline Crews Carter, 75, of Jacksonville
• Cynthia Gibbs, 74, of Jacksonville
• Charles L. Houston, 77, of Darien, Georgia
• William Johnson Jr., 73, of Atlanta
• Carlotta McIntosh, 93, of Jacksonville
• Isaiah Thomas, 79, of Jacksonville
• Queen Welch, 76, of Atlanta

One of the victims, Charles Houston, was a chaplain for the Georgia Department of Public Safety. Their deaths affected their local communities and deeply hurt the Gullah Geechee nation (NBC News).

The Gullah Geechee Community’s Heritage

The Gullah Geechee community stands as proof of African cultural preservation in America. As descendants of enslaved Africans, the Gullah Geechee people have held onto their language, skills, and customs for generations. Their community stretches from North Carolina to Florida, with Sapelo Island being a vital cultural center (PBS NewsHour).

The annual cultural event on Sapelo Island helps keep their traditions alive. It highlights Hogg Hummock, a community created by freed slaves after the Civil War. Attendees participate in activities like basket weaving and singing African spirituals, showcasing how the culture has endured despite many difficulties.

Investigation and Legal Steps

Investigators are trying to find out why the gangway collapsed. Experts in engineering and accident reconstruction, along with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, are leading the efforts. The gangway has been moved to a secure location for a detailed inspection.

Early reports suggest a “catastrophic structural failure” caused the collapse. This is troubling because the structure was rebuilt in 2021 after a legal settlement over claims of neglect. The gangway had regular inspections, with the last one done by Crescent Equipment in December 2023, and no issues were reported (FOX 5 Atlanta).

Some community members are calling for federal involvement, seeking more answers and accountability. Civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Bakari Sellers are now representing the victims’ families, which signals possible legal actions in the near future.

Community Reaction and Wider Impact

The Gullah Geechee Nation is mourning after this disaster. Beyond the immediate loss, this incident has renewed concerns about the treatment of residents and the island’s infrastructure. Many residents are now questioning whether the dock had been properly prepared for the event.

Legal disputes about zoning and land ownership already challenge the Gullah Geechee community on Sapelo Island. The gangway collapse has fueled demands for better infrastructure, including emergency medical services and reliable ferry access.

As the community grieves, this event shows the risks faced by historic communities like the Gullah Geechee. It highlights the urgent need for improvements to infrastructure and the care required to preserve cultural heritage sites.

This tragedy on Sapelo Island is not a local issue alone; it represents a national loss. It emphasizes the vulnerability of cultural communities and the necessity of protecting them. The investigations and legal cases will continue, and the Gullah Geechee community will likely be tested again as they honor the memory of those lost while keeping their traditions alive.

FAQ

Q: What happened during the Gullah Geechee celebration on Sapelo Island?
A: A gangway at the Marsh Landing Dock collapsed during the event, resulting in approximately 20 people falling into the water, leading to seven fatalities and several injuries.

Q: How many people were affected by the collapse?
A: Approximately 700 visitors were present at the celebration, with around 20 people falling into the water and seven individuals ultimately losing their lives.

Q: Who were the victims of this tragedy?
A: The victims were all over 70 years old and traveled from various locations in Georgia and Florida for the cultural event.

Q: What is the significance of the Gullah Geechee community?
A: The Gullah Geechee community preserves African heritage through a distinct dialect, cultural practices, and traditions, highlighting the resilience of descendants of enslaved Africans.

Q: What actions are being taken following the tragedy?
A: An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the gangway collapse, focusing on the structural integrity of the dock and whether it was maintained adequately.

Q: What are the broader implications of this incident?
A: The collapse has raised concerns about infrastructure safety on Sapelo Island, prompting discussions about the treatment of the Gullah Geechee community and the preservation of their cultural heritage.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.