Bill > HR524

This resolution recognizes "Kumbaya" (originally titled "Come by Here") as the official anthem of the Gullah Geechee culture, a distinct ethnic group primarily located in the coastal regions of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Florida. The resolution highlights the song's deep cultural significance, noting that it was first recorded in Georgia and documented by the Library of Congress, and was originally shared in the Gullah dialect, a unique Creole language spoken by the Gullah Geechee people. The document emphasizes the song's historical importance, tracing its origins to 1926 when Mr. H. Wylie, an African American of Gullah Geechee heritage, granted permission for its recording. The resolution celebrates "Kumbaya" as more than just a spiritual song, describing it as a symbol of unity, hope, and cultural pride that has gained global recognition. By officially designating the song as the Gullah Geechee anthem, the resolution aims to honor the community's significant cultural contributions to Georgia and the United States. Additionally, the resolution directs the House of Representatives' Clerk to make a copy of the resolution available for public and press distribution.

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/71207