Bridging Heritage and Innovation: Bridgette Frazier’s Vision for Gullah Geechee Culture
Bridgette Frazier stands under the warm embrace of the 80-degree South Carolina sun, exuding a calm determination as she walks through a historic plot of land she has transformed. This space is not just any piece of real estate; it is a tribute to her ancestors, a canvas for her entrepreneurial spirit, and a platform for cultural education.
A Culinary Tribute: Ma Daisy’s Restaurant
To the right of Frazier is Ma Daisy’s, a soon-to-open restaurant named in honor of her grandmother. This establishment aims to celebrate the foodways of the Gullah Geechee culture, a heritage that both women share. “We’re not just gumbo and shrimp and grits; we really create,” Frazier asserts, gazing at the modern Black exterior of the building. This sentiment reflects a broader commitment to culinary innovation rooted in tradition.
The Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Center
On the left stands the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Center, a space dedicated to educating current and future generations about what it means to be Black and from the Lowcountry. While many millennials may remember “Gullah Gullah Island” from their childhoods, Frazier recognizes that there is a wealth of knowledge yet to be shared. This center will serve as a hub for cultural programs, ensuring that the richness of Gullah Geechee heritage is preserved and celebrated.
The Importance of Tradition
Behind the cultural center lies a large barn, which will soon house a Black-owned business market. Nearby, the Bateau Boat Plaza will teach children about the flat-bottomed boats traditionally used by the Gullah Geechee people. Frazier emphasizes the importance of this craft, noting that the art of Bateau Boat creation is a cherished tradition passed down through generations. “There is no blueprint you can get online for it,” she explains, highlighting the significance of oral history and hands-on learning in preserving cultural practices.
A Legacy of Resilience
Frazier is a fifth-generation descendant of the Gullah Geechee people, a community deeply rooted in the coastal areas of South Carolina and Georgia. This community has preserved its unique cultural identity, shaped by the historical isolation from both white and non-Gullah Black populations. Their language, cuisine, spirituality, and agricultural practices reflect a rich tapestry of West African influences.
“Though I’ve never touched that soil, the roots and the essence of that culture are still in me,” Frazier shares, pointing to the recipes, dialect, and traditions that have been passed down through her family. She emphasizes that the ancestors were not merely captured slaves but skilled individuals—horticulturists, medical professionals, and artisans—who brought invaluable knowledge to the New World.
Creating a Community Space
Frazier’s vision for the Bluffton property is to create a “kunda,” a Gullah term for a multi-use space that serves the community’s needs. “It’s not just any one thing,” she explains. The design mimics a Gullah kunda, reflecting a village-like atmosphere where families can gather and thrive. A vibrant mural of her grandmother, Ma Daisy, adorns the main dining hall, serving as a reminder of familial love and cultural pride.
From Food Truck to Restaurant
Initially, Frazier envisioned Ma Daisy’s as a food truck, but a pivotal conversation with restaurant entrepreneur Billy Watterson shifted her trajectory. “I was unapologetic in uplifting Black and Gullah culture,” she recalls, explaining how Watterson encouraged her to elevate her vision beyond a food truck. With his investment and support from local entities, Frazier’s dream began to materialize.
A Taste of Gullah Geechee Culture
As the grand opening approaches, Ma Daisy’s is set to offer a menu that features beloved Gullah Geechee dishes, including hot honey fried chicken, collard greens, and Gullah red rice. These recipes are not just meals; they are stories, steeped in history and familial love, poised to draw guests from near and far.
Overcoming Challenges
Frazier acknowledges that the journey to realize her vision has not been without challenges. Some critics questioned the appropriateness of establishing a “soul food” restaurant on historic land. Nevertheless, she persevered, ensuring that every detail—from the vintage wallpaper in the restrooms to the artwork celebrating Black musicians—reflects the richness of Black culture.
A Milestone for Representation
The opening of Ma Daisy’s and the Gullah Geechee Cultural Center represents a significant milestone for Black South Carolinians in Bluffton, where Black-owned businesses are scarce in high-traffic areas. “When folks come here, they’re able to see themselves represented,” Frazier notes, emphasizing the importance of visibility and representation in the community.
A Call for Unity
As national conversations about freedom, patriotism, and Black American history intensify, Frazier warns against divisive rhetoric that can fracture Black communities. She advocates for unity, urging people to focus on shared experiences and cultural connections. “We have more similarities than we do differences,” she asserts, encouraging a celebration of collective heritage.
Through her work, Bridgette Frazier is not just preserving Gullah Geechee culture; she is actively shaping its future, ensuring that the stories, traditions, and culinary delights of her ancestors continue to thrive for generations to come.
