The Gullah Geechee Community

Protection and empowerment of one of the most unique cultures in America, the Gullah Geechee community, is vital to the Lowcountry. The Gullah Geechee history of enslavement, resistance, and dedication to public service is embodied through Robert Smalls, my great-great-grandfather. Like my ancestors, I intend to give the Lowcountry every opportunity to thrive.

I am prepared to champion the Gullah Geechee community in Congress, and that begins with proposing an exception that will allow the community to place its land in a federal trust under a fee-to-trust land acquisition. This process would provide federal protection for  Gullah land, leaving it free from burdensome property taxes and predatory developers that force Gullah people from their biggest cultural asset.

Moore will also advocate for federal funding stemming from the historic, bipartisan legislation passed under the Biden-Harris administration. Between the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, billions of dollars in federal grants are currently untapped. On day one, Moore will fight for funding under these bills that would provide coastal protection from climate change, empower Gullah farmers, and safeguard coastal habitats.

As your Congressman, Moore is ready to fight for Gullah inclusion in government programs that could create generational change, such as:

• The USDA’s Community Forest Program and Regional Conservation Partnership

• The USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program 

• The Bureau of Land Management’s Fee-To-Trust Land Acquisition process

• NEPA protection on cultural grounds, protecting the Gullah Geechee community from government encroachment