Goldwater President returns to alma mater as an esteemed guest to celebrate Gullah/Geechee Culture at Mellon-backed Movement, Memory, Justice Initiative Event Series.
Founder, A. Prince Albert III '12 pictured at Morehouse College during MMJ Initiative's 2024 Reclamation Symposium.
Atlanta, GA, February 12, 2024 – Goldwater Ventures, under the leadership of founder, President, and CEO A. Prince Albert III, proudly participated in the "Rec • la • ma • tion: Gathering, Remembering, Telling Our Story" symposium from February 7-9, 2024, at Morehouse College. This event, part of the Mellon Foundation's Movement, Memory, and Justice Initiative, highlighted the rich intersections of Africana history, Digital Humanities, Justice, and Cultural Heritage Preservation.
A. Prince Albert III '12, distinguished summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa alumnus of Morehouse College cultural sustainability advocate, engaged in a series of events dedicated to exploring and celebrating Gullah/Geechee culture and its significance within the broader narrative of African American history and heritage. The symposium was the fruit of a generous $1.5 million grant from the Mellon Foundation, aimed at spurring bold, new research on critical African American historical moments.
The convening featured diverse hands-on workshops, panel discussions, and artistic performances, including a Digital Storytelling workshop and a Sweetgrass Basket Making Workshop with Gullah/Geechee creatives Michael Smalls & Dino Badger. An opening reception at the ZuCot Gallery featured Nathaniel Whitaker's exhibition titled "Black Parade: Tales of the Gullah Geechee," accompanied by a vibrant musical performance by an award-winning Gullah artist.
Panel discussions throughout the symposium addressed critical themes related to Afro-Indigenous lifeways, including "Tied to the Land," which featured Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation. These conversations delved into the ongoing struggle for recognition, justice, and preserving land and traditions crucial to the Gullah/Geechee people. A poignant "Tribute to Mrs. Josephine Wright" reminded attendees of the enduring legacy of those who have championed cultural preservation and justice. The symposium also offered a platform for emerging voices in film, with screenings of student films and discussions on the role of media in documenting and advocating for social change.
Goldwater Ventures' participation in this symposium highlighted the company's dedication to cultural heritage preservation and reinforced its commitment to supporting initiatives that educate and inspire action towards a more just and equitable society. Reflecting on the journey from a curious student to a leader in cultural sustainability, A. Prince Albert III, Founder, President, and CEO of Goldwater Ventures, shared his insights on his profound return to the roots that shaped him. "The event was a testament to the power of collective memory and storytelling in the ongoing journey toward reclamation and justice," he expressed. "Participating in the 'Reclamation' symposium at Morehouse, where I once delved deep into the study of Afro-Diasporic Identity for my senior thesis, felt like a 360 Sankofa moment for me," Albert reminisced.
"Writing 'Jeedus, Mek Me’ Obuh[: Considerations of Kwame Appiah’s Key Concepts of Culture accompanied by Considerations of Black Culture]' as the Philosophy Department's top graduate, I explored the intricate weave of Gullah/Geechee culture and its impact on my personal and academic growth. Now leading Goldwater Ventures, I am privileged to work closely with Gullah/Geechee communities along the coast and other Afro-Diasporic communities as a returning traditionalist. This symposium wasn't just a homecoming but a reaffirmation of my life's work to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Black people worldwide, beginning with my own." Albert's thesis is housed in the Gullah/Geechee Nation's Alkebulan Archive.
Citation
Goldwater Ventures, Goldwater Ventures Celebrates Gullah/Geechee Heritage at Morehouse College's "Reclamation" Symposium (Feb. 12, 2024), https://www.goldwaterventures.info/post/goldwater-ventures-celebrates-gullah-geechee-heritage-at-morehouse-college-s-reclamation-symposium.
References
Gullah/Geechee Nation, Gullah/Geechee Alkebulan Archive Strives Not Only to Document, but Keep Culture Alive! (Aug. 23, 2012), https://gullahgeecheenation.com/2012/08/23/gullahgeechee-alkebulan-archive-strives-not-only-to-document-but-keep-culture-alive/.
Mellon Foundation, Movement, Memory and Justice Initiative, to support Humanities for All Times project (Dec. 10, 2021), https://www.mellon.org/grant-details/movement-memory-and-justice-initiative-20449820.
Morehouse College, Reclamation MMJ Website, https://dawadabroughtus.my.canva.site/reclamation-website.
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