It is important that we remind ourselves that until the "Ibo Landing" project is completed and the spirits of our departed brethren laid to rest, Igbo as a nation will not have peace. Consider the fact that these our brethren whose spirits are not at rest were abducted from home, forced into slavery, all manner of humiliations were visited on them and their descendents, they died without the proper burial in a land that they hated, a land that did not want them and most of their descendents had no idea who they were or where they were from. Is it then a surprise that Igbo has never been at rest since that shameful period.

This project is the first step towards healing that wound and it is important that it be successful.

Remember it is important that we contact any organization or Igbo who we feel will make this project successful to become part of this work group.

There are plans for two work groups - one for Igbo from Ala Igbo at home, and one for our Black American brethren. If you have any Black American friend who wants to be part of this project please send us their e-mail address and if you would also like to be part of this project also send us your e-mail address.

Below is the time-line:

 5/17/02 - 5/25/02: News and flyers about the project must be out.

By June 30:           List of participants must be out

July 30:                 Transportation and site must be ready.

August 30/31:        Great event.

 

 

EKWE NCHE ORGANIZATION.

Throughout Georgia's Sea Islands, there are several different "Ibo Landings." Although most of the stories originate from Dunbar Creek on St. Simons Island, just about every surrounding island has a little inlet that the locals call "Ibo Landing." This is less the result of historical confusion as much as it is an indication of how this story has been embraced and mythologized by African-Americans in this region.

This story is one of many versions of this popular legend. No one is quite sure who these Ibo (also spelled "Ebo" and "Igbo") captives were, where they came from, or if they committed suicide at all. Records from the period are sketchy concerning this incident. But it doesn't really matter whether the incident happened or not, for over time it became a myth that gave pride to thousands of Africans forced into slavery on the vast Sea Island plantations that once controlled the area.

On the surface, the story seems one of simple defiance, as Ibo men, women and children drowned themselves in front of their white captors. As the story spread throughout the islands, however, two popular myths emerged: that the Ibos walked on the water back to Africa, or they flew back. Either way, the metaphor of a cultural link between African-Americans and the Motherland is strong. The Ibo Landing story continues to be used today as an argument for cultural continuity, most notably in Julie Dash's 1991 film about the Gullah people, Daughters of the Dust.

If you're interested in learning more about Gullah culture and the Sea Islands, you may want to check out the following sites:

Georgia Sea Island Singers - For over 20 years, this unique group has toured the world sharing songs and stories set against the history and mystique of the Georgia Sea Islands.

Golden Isles Navigator  - A very comprehensive site about the region and its people. Especially helpful if you're planning a trip.

Daughters of the Dust - From the Internet Movie Database. Learn about one of the few films to feature the Gullah people and their unique traditions.