The Chatham County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday issued a proclamation recognizing Gullah Geechee Nation Appreciation Week and presented certificates to local youth athletes and county employees.

During the meeting, Queen Quet (Ginny Jackson), identified in remarks as the chief of the Gullah Geechee Nation, accepted the proclamation and invited commissioners and residents to events launching the week, including a family day and a books‑and‑brunch event at Penn Center. "Our very name, the word Gullah means people blessed by God," Queen Quet told the commission, urging attendance and cultural preservation.

The board also recognized the Calvary Day School basketball team for winning the 2024–25 GHSA state championship and read several employee service awards, including a 30‑year service recognition for Shauna Fry and 25‑ and 20‑year awards for other staff members.

Why it matters: The proclamation acknowledges the local Gullah Geechee community and promotes events at Penn Center; the ceremonial recognitions honored community achievements and county employees’ years of service.

What was presented
- Proclamation: Chair Cheshire A. Ellis read a proclamation designating the week in June 2025 as Gullah Geechee Nation Appreciation Week in Chatham County and affixed the county seal.
- Remarks: Queen Quet described cultural priorities and public events she invited the board and community to attend.
- Awards: Certificates of congratulations were presented to the Calvary Day School state championship basketball team; multiple county employees received service awards (5 to 30 years of service).

Next steps: Commissioners encouraged attendance at the Gullah Geechee Week events and thanked county staff for organizing employee recognition.