Book study to be held prior to author Keith Rushing presentation

Two local congregations will co-sponsor a series of events this winter centered on Gullah-Geechee history and ancestry, culminating with a presentation by author Keith Rushing.

First Presbyterian Church and the Bridge Builders of St. Andrew by-the-Sea United Methodist Church will host Rushing for a public talk at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10th, in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church.

Rushing is the author of “Descended,” a recently published book detailing his research into his ancestry and his Gullah-Geechee roots on Hilton Head Island.
Rushing is also scheduled to be a featured author at the Savannah Book Festival during the first weekend in February.

In advance of the Feb. 10th presentation, a three-week book study will be held on Tuesday afternoons at 2 p.m. Jan. 20th, Jan. 27th and Feb. 3rd in the Fellowship Hall at First Presbyterian Church. The study will be led by David Lauderdale and will include guest participation from Native Islander community members at each session.

The Jan. 20th session will focus on the Gullah people and will feature Emory Campbell. The Jan. 27th session will center on land and will include Murray Christopher as a guest. The Feb. 3rd session will examine challenges and triumphs and will feature Carolyn Grant.

Organizers said the series is intended to foster discussion and deeper understanding of the area’s Gullah heritage, leading into Rushing’s visit on Feb. 10th.

“Descended” is available for purchase locally at Emry’s Bookshop in Port Royal Plaza and at Barnes and Noble.

Additional information about the book study sessions or the Feb. 10th presentation is available by contacting the event organizers.