ABOUT THE SEATTLE GULLAH GEECHEE FESTIVAL
HISTORY
The late Ms. Vikkie Williams was the progenitor of this festival in Seattle and our Festival Council will work with community to expand upon her vision for the Gullah Geechee Festival as well as honor her legacy and invaluable contributions to the African American Community throughout the festival. The festival is a reflection of the spiritual journey of people of African Descent as told from the Gullah Geechee perspective. The festival will exhibit a glimpse into their culture, heritage and traditions but will also take you on a spiritually enlightening journey; telling stories and sharing wisdom from the Ancestors that encourage us to understand that by denying people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.
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Marcus Garvey said "A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots".
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The events of the Festival will encourage all citizens of Seattle to explore their history and build bridges for their future, creating a city of rooted communities from youth to elders. Project bring together community members who lives in seattle with those who once lived in seattle and have been displaced but still consider Seattle home even though they can no longer afford to live there. It creates an opportunity to build the capacity of this larger community to create a tradition of events to maintain and strengthen their bonds with each other while engaging in reconnection to their heritage. In this project we have several community partners through this project we hope to create lasting relationships and lay the groundwork for continued collaboration amongst these organizations and with the community.
FESTIVAL CHAIR - Melba Ayco
Melba Ayco, founder and Artistic Director of Northwest Tap Connection, is a Gullah-Geechee and Creole Storyteller, Tap Dance Historian, and Choreographer. Born in a small town on the north shores of New Orleans, she describes her life as a three-part harmony: born into segregation, survived integration, and enlightenment through cultural diversity. Her life commitment is to define and share the African American experience through performing arts.​
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Through her dedication to the community and offering opportunities for growth and enlightenment for people of all ages and backgrounds, Ms. Melba has made a lasting, positive imprint on the greater Seattle area. To this end, she has received numerous accolades including the 2009 Mayor’s Art Award, the 2017 African Town Queen Award, and the 2017 Martin Luther King Medal of Community Service Award for District No. 2 of the City of Seattle.