Marquetta Goodwine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Marquetta Goodwine |
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| The Queen Mother, Chieftess of the Gullah Geeche Nation | |||||
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| Queen of the Gullah | |||||
| Reign | July 2, 2002 – present | ||||
| Coronation | July 2, 2002 | ||||
| Predecessor | Position established | ||||
| Born | 1968 (age 56–57) St. Helena Island, South Carolina, U.S. |
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Marquetta L. Goodwine, born in 1968, is known as Queen Quet. She is the elected leader, or Chieftess, of the Gullah Geechee Nation. She is also a writer, someone who works to protect history and culture, and a performance artist.
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About Queen Quet
Early Life and Education
Marquetta Goodwine grew up on St. Helena Island in South Carolina. She went to Fordham College, where she studied computer science and mathematics.
Becoming a Leader
In 1996, she started the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition. This group works to protect the culture and land of the Gullah/Geechee people.
In 1999, Queen Quet made history. She was the first Gullah person to speak at the United Nations. She shared the story of the Gullah/Geechee people's fight for their human rights. She also took part in the United Nations Forum on Minority Rights, which started in 2008. There, she recorded the challenges faced by her people for the United Nations' records.
On July 2, 2002, Marquetta Goodwine was chosen and officially became "Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation." She also helps lead the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor General Management Plan. This plan helps manage and protect the special cultural area of the Gullah/Geechee people. She is also a member of a special commission created by the United States Congress.
Protecting Culture and Land
Queen Quet is a strong voice for the Gullah/Geechee Sea Islands. She works to protect them from damage caused by storms and rising sea levels due to climate change. She also speaks out against too much building and poor upkeep of roads and drains, which cause flooding.
Her work includes saving Gullah/Geechee traditions and resources. These are at risk because of gentrification, which is when new, wealthier people move into an area and change it.
Working with Films and Music
Queen Quet has shared her knowledge for many historical films. She was a consultant for the 2000 film The Patriot, which had scenes set in the Gullah/Geechee Nation area. She also advised on documentaries like This Far by Faith: The African American Religious Experience and Slavery and the Making of America. She travels around the world to give talks about her culture.
She also started a historical performance group called "De Gullah Cunneckshun." This group has made several music CDs and has been featured in films.
Awards and Recognition
In 2022, Queen Quet received the Order of the Palmetto. This is a high award given by the Governor of South Carolina, Henry McMaster. He gave her this award to honor her efforts to preserve the Gullah culture in the state.
Books by Queen Quet
Queen Quet is an author who has written several books. Her books often focus on the history and culture of the Gullah/Geechee people. Some of her works include "St. Helena's Serenity" and "Gawd dun smile pun we: Beaufort Isles." She also co-authored "T'inkin' 'bout Famlee: A Geechee Down Novella."
