L to R: Servant Emannuel Branch, Valeska Moore, Yvonne Grovener, Jennifer, Mr. Bobby Hunter, Lucy Powell, Ladonna Garvin, Mother Eunice Moore, Ms. , Henry Allen and Allen
Effingham County, GA | On Thursday, April 25th, 2024 a group of historians from across Effingham County, Ga embarked on a journey to tour the Historic Sapelo Island.
This would become an unforgettable adventure under the guidance of the enigmatic Servant Emannuel. Their destination? The remote and storied shores of Sapelo Island, accessible only by boat.
The journey began with a spirited 50-minute drive down Interstate 95 then winding through the picturesque landscapes of Georgia's backroads. The group aimed to reach the dock before the clock struck 8:30 am, their gateway to the island awaiting with the morning tide.
As they boarded the ferry, leaving ripples in their wake, the historians found themselves enveloped by the tranquil embrace of the water. Thirty minutes on the Georgia waters, watching the seagulls follow closely as their chirps filled the air brought a gentle and peaceful bond to nature. Upon reaching the island destination, Servant Emannuel had already orchestrated to have someone meet us at the dock-- Mrs. Grovener, a beacon of hospitality on the island.
Hog Hummock Community
Driving a vibrant yellow school bus, Mrs. Grovener welcomed the group, her warm smile, a stark contrast to the island's rugged exterior. With her as their guide, they traversed the island's winding roads, each bend revealing a new chapter in Sapelo's rich history. Their first stop was the Hog Hammock Community, a small Geechee-Gullah community of where only about 45 people now remain on the island. Showing their resilience, these families had endured since the days of slavery. Amidst the scenic backdrop, the historians listened intently as tales of struggle and triumph echoed through the air. Many from this community are direct decendents of the enslaved people forced to the plantations of the enslaver Thomas Spalding.
Behavior Cemetery
Yet, amidst the shadows of the past, Sapelo Island also offered glimpses of hope and resilience. At Behavior Cemetery, an African American burial ground, the group paid homage to those who had paved the way for a brighter future.
The Reynolds Mansion
Next on the itinerary was the Reynolds Mansion, a stark reminder of the island's darker past. Built on the backs of enslaved people, its opulent facade belied the suffering endured within its walls. Also on the tour was the Sapelo Post Office. Like the rest of the island, it looked it had leaped America's rural past, like something the early 1950 rural Mississippi. Standing near the old post office were the tabby ruins, remnants of a bygone era, the group bore witness to the indelible scars left by slavery's cruel legacy.
Historic Sapelo Lighthouse
Their journey continued to the Historic Sapelo Lighthouse, this could be interpreted as a beacon of hope standing tall for the many nameless and faceless African Americans who were enslaved here and who never got the chance to live-out their lives according to their own choices. The lighthouse was built in 1820. "Did any enslaved person ever went there seeking refuge in their attempt to escape, " I wondered? I'm sure if lighthouses could talk, this one had plenty to say.
The Wildlife Sapelo Island wasn't just a repository of human history; it was also a sanctuary for diverse wildlife. As the historians roamed its untamed landscapes, they encountered alligators basking in the sun and birds of every feather taking flight amidst the canopy of trees. And high above, nestled among the branches, they beheld the majestic silhouette of an eagle's nest, a reminder of nature's unyielding beauty. 
As the day drew to a close and the ferry prepared to depart, the historians found themselves forever changed by their journey through time. Guided by Servant Emannuel and Mrs. Grovener, they had delved into the depths of Sapelo Island's past, emerging with a newfound appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of history to shape our world.
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