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, Chieftess of the Gullah Geechee Nation. She was chosen for this role, which is like being a leader for her people. Queen Quet is also an author, someone who works to save history and culture, and a performance artist. She helps share the unique traditions of the Gullah Geechee people with the world.
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Meet Queen Quet: A Gullah Geechee Leader
Marquetta Goodwine grew up on St. Helena Island in South Carolina. This island is a special place for the Gullah Geechee people. She studied computer science and math at Fordham College.
In 1996, she started the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition. This group works to protect the culture and land of the Gullah Geechee people.
Speaking Up for Her People
In 1999, Queen Quet made history. She was the first Gullah person to speak at the United Nations in Switzerland. The United Nations is a global group where countries discuss important issues. She talked about the human rights of the Gullah/Geechee people.
She also took part in the United Nations Forum on Minority Rights. Here, she shared the challenges faced by her community. Her stories were saved by the United Nations for future generations.
Becoming Queen Quet
On July 2, 2002, Marquetta Goodwine was chosen as "Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation." This was a big moment for her and her people. She also leads the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor General Management Plan. This plan helps protect the Gullah Geechee culture and land. She is also an Expert Commissioner for South Carolina.
She is part of a special group created by the United States Congress. This group works to preserve the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage.
Protecting the Gullah Geechee Way of Life
Queen Quet is a strong voice for the Gullah/Geechee Sea Islands. These islands face dangers from big storms and rising water levels. These problems are made worse by climate change and too much building.
She works hard to save Gullah/Geechee traditions and resources. These are threatened by changes like gentrification, which means new people moving in and changing the area. Her goal is to keep their unique culture alive.
Sharing Culture Through Art and Stories
Queen Quet has shared her knowledge in many ways. She was a helper for the 2000 movie The Patriot. This film had scenes set in the Gullah/Geechee Nation area of South Carolina.
She has also advised on several historical documentaries. These include This Far by Faith: The African American Religious Experience and Slavery and the Making of America. She travels around the world, giving talks about her culture.
Queen Quet also started a performance group called "De Gullah Cunneckshun." This group has made music CDs and been featured in films.
In 2022, she received the Order of the Palmetto. This is a high award from South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. It recognized her efforts to preserve the Gullah culture in the state.
Books by Queen Quet
Queen Quet is a talented author. She has written several books that share the stories and history of the Gullah Geechee people. Her books are part of a series called "Gullah/Geechee: The Survival of Africa's Seed in the Winds of the Diaspora."
- Goodwine, Marquetta L. (1995). "St. Helena's Serenity."
- Goodwine, Marquetta L. (1997). Gawd dun smile pun we: Beaufort Isles.
- Goodwine, Marquetta L. (1999). Frum wi soul tuh de soil: The Cash Crops of the Sea Islands.
- Goodwine, Marquetta L., and & the Clarity Press Gullah Project, eds (1998). The Legacy of Ibo Landing: Gullah Roots of African American Culture.
- Goodwine, Marquetta L., and Ronald Goodwine (1994). Brother and Sister... Heart to Heart.
- Goodwine, Marquetta L. (2005). "365-66."
- Goodwine, Marquetta L. (2006). "Chas'tun an e Islandts."
- Goodwine, Ronald "Kuumba", and Marquetta L. "Queen Quet" Goodwine (2004). T'inkin' 'bout Famlee: A Geechee Down Novella.
- Goodwine, Marquetta L. (2013). "Love's Sea Island Song"
