Source: EGG: the arts show: "Off the Charts"
Funding for the VITAL/Ready to Teach collection was secured through the United States Department of Education under the Ready to Teach Program.
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This video segment from Egg: the arts show presents a glimpse of the last island-based Gullah/Geechee community located on Sapelo Island. The original Gullah/Geechee people were slaves. When slavery was abolished, the island was abandoned to the slaves. Ben Hall of the Sapelo Island Cultural and Revitalization Society speaks of his pride for the island and community. We learn the island is made up of some of the most valuable real estate in America, but its inhabitants have resisted the sort of development that has captured the other coastal islands off the shores of Georgia and South Carolina. For more about Sapelo Island, see "Ronald Johnson of Sapelo Island" and "Frankie Quimby of Sapelo Island."
Download and ShareThe following Frame, Focus and Follow-up suggestions are best suited for elementary or middle school students using this video in an English language arts or social studies lesson. Be sure to modify the questions to meet your students' instructional needs.
What is Frame, Focus and Follow-up?
Frame (ELA) We all have different points of view. What is a point of view? What might influence the way we view or understand things?
Focus (ELA) The speaker Ben Hall has a particular point of view about his culture and Sapelo Island. Try to determine what his point of view is.
Follow Up (ELA) What is Ben Hall’s point of view about his culture and Sapelo Island? What helps to determine his point of view? For example, did you note he belonged to the Sapelo Island Cultural and Revitalization Society? Express and discuss Hall’s point of view about his island home and culture. Consider others’ points of view and how they might be different. For example, how might a developer (one who makes “improvements” to land for the purpose of profit) view Hall’s culture and island?
Frame (SS) Why were plantations established on coastal islands? What were some of the advantages concerning the land and climate on the island that helped in farming and growing cash crops?
Focus (SS) While watching the segment decide what it means to be the last Gullah/Geechee Island Community?
Follow Up (SS) How do you think the location of this community has helped to preserve the culture of the Gullah/Geechee? Why is the land valuable now? Discuss the benefits and issues that might arise concerning the preservation of a community’s culture. How might real estate or economic development influence the Gullah/Geechee culture? Note: Remember the term development was used in this segment to describe the expansion of tourism and construction on coastal islands.
SONG: There ya go! Beulah land Beulah land
I got a home in Beulah land
Beulah land Beulah land
I got a home in Beulah land
I got a home in Beulah land
SONG: not gonna stop until I reach that land well, I?m not so particular but I?ll reach that land, but I?m gonna make another friend in Beulah land Beulah land...
MAN: Many people are surprised when they come over and they say, "gosh, I didn't know such a place existed." It's a beautiful island. We've taken good care of it for over 200 years.
HALL: We are the last Gullah/Geechee, island-based Gullah/Geechee community. Many people do not realize that.
MAN SINGING: and my life is almost gone at the river...
HALL: All of the other island-based Gullah/Geechees are gone. The community is threatened, and we need help to survive.
MAN SINGING: Take my hand precious lord lead me home
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