Goldwater President returns to Georgetown Law to deliver Seventh Lecture on Gullah/Geechee Land Loss
Washington, D.C., March 27, 2024 -- For the seventh consecutive year, A. Prince Albert III, President of Goldwater Ventures, returned to his alma mater, Georgetown Law Center, as a guest lecturer in Professor Sherally Munshi’s Property In Time course. The class, which forms part of the required curriculum for first-year students, covers several topics from the conventional Property course, including landlord-tenant law, servitudes, nuisance, and takings law. However, it’s about more than just understanding the basic doctrinal rules. The course also gives students insights into the history of American legal thought and introduces concepts from law, economics, and critical race studies.
Prince, a proud Gullah/Geechee and a direct descendant of the community, shared his profound insights on the issue of land loss during the lecture. The discussion, which ranged from a brief history of the Gullah/Geechee people to the community’s legal recognition, was a personal journey for Prince. His lecture was an eye-opener for the students, shedding light on the pressing issue of land loss in the Gullah/Geechee community and its implications.
Prince highlighted the importance of studying and triaging Gullah/Geechee land loss, saying, “The land we stand on is not just about property rights; it is about preserving a culture, a heritage, and a community. We lose a piece of our history and identity when we lose land. We must understand, study, and address this issue thoughtfully and urgently.” Moreover, the lecture delved into the causes of Gullah/Geechee land loss, such as tax-hiking, partition, eminent domain, adverse possession, and predatory practices. Prince also highlighted potential legal remedies, sparking a lively and insightful discussion among the students.
One of the lecture’s critical aspects was the mention of the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Community Trust. Established in 2022, the Trust aims to protect Gullah/Geechee land ownership, invest in cultural resources, and promote their history and heritage. The organization serves as a beacon of hope in the effort to combat land loss and preserve the rich culture of the Gullah/Geechee community.
As the lecture concluded, Prince reiterated his call to action, urging the students to join the fight to preserve the land and culture of the Gullah/Geechee people. He emphasized the critical role of the legal community in this endeavor and the potential impact they could make. His lecture was an academic exercise and a powerful call to action, urging future legal professionals to use their knowledge and skills to make a real difference.
Citation
Goldwater Ventures, 'Losing Ground' Lecture's 7th Year (March 27, 2024), https://www.goldwaterventures.info/post/losing-ground-lecture-s-7th-year.
References
Georgetown University Law Center, Curriculum B (Section 3), https://curriculum.law.georgetown.edu/jd/curriculum-b-section-3/#coursestext.
Goldwater Ventures, Cultural Sustainability Practice, https://www.goldwaterventures.info/practice/cultural-sustainability.
Gullah/Geechee Cultural Community Trust, www.gullahcommunitytrust.org.
Gullah/Geechee Nation, www.gullahgeecheenation.com.
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