Savannah Main Panel, Part 5 - Herman Blake - Episode 5

Dr. J. Herman Blake, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission, discusses the often misunderstood and misinterpreted Gullah Geechee community. Blake believes there is a disconnect between the Gullah Geechee, and surrounding communities, due to a failure of comprehension of the Gullah Geechee culture. The Gullah Geechee have qualities that are rich and treasured, but little understood. The Gullah Geechee traditions, and culture, are in danger due to climate change. Blake talks about two influential Gullah Geechee figures, and stresses that in order to make a positive impact on climate change in their community, we must learn to listen and understand the Gullah Geechee people, and their culture. In relation to the other topics discussed in the panel, Blake insists that the Gullah Geechee people need to be included in the discussion on climate change, as they wish to preserve their culture.