HR524: HR524 "Kumbaya"; the Gullah Geechee Anthem; commend

25 LC 129 0308 House Resolution 524 By: Representatives Williams of the 168 th, DeLoach of the 167 th, Jackson of the 165 th, Gilliard of the 162nd, and Adeyina of the 110th A RESOLUTION Recognizing "Kumbaya" as the Gullah Geechee Anthem; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, the song "Kumbaya," also known by its original title " Come by Here", is a2 cherished spiritual folk song with deep roots in the Gullah-Gee chee culture of the Sea3 Islands; and4 WHEREAS, "Kumbaya" is recognized as Georgia's first state histo rical song and holds5 global significance, having become a symbol of American folk music; and6 WHEREAS, the song was first recorded in Georgia, with the first known recording7 documented by the Library of Congress, establishing its national and cultural significance;8 and9 WHEREAS, in 1926, numerous folk songs in the Gullah dialect, also known as Sea Islands10 Creole, were preserved and shared with the world, helping to elevate the cultural voice of the11 Gullah-Geechee people; and12 WHEREAS, Mr. H. Wylie, an African American of Gullah-Geechee he ritage, granted13 permission for the song "Come by Here" to be recorded, marking a pivotal moment in the14 H. R. 524 - 1 - 25 LC 129 0308 preservation of the spiritual and cultural contributions of the Gullah-Geechee community;15 and16 WHEREAS, the song "Kumbaya" has transcended its origins as a spiritual song, becoming17 a widely recognized anthem of unity, hope, and cultural pride; and18 WHEREAS, the Gullah-Geechee people have made significant contributions to the cultural19 fabric of Georgia and the United States, with their language, music, and traditions playing20 an integral role in the history and heritage of this nation.21 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that22 the members of this body recognize "Kumbaya" as the official anthem of the Gullah-Geechee23 culture, honoring its historical importance and acknowledging the ongoing contributions of24 the Gullah-Geechee people to our state and nation.25 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized26 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the27 public and the press.28 H. R. 524 - 2 -