Discover the American South: Gullah Culture, Route 66 and the Delta Blues

When it comes to travel, it’s always the people you meet that make the trip. That is especially true in the American South, where the locals are renowned as some of the friendliest and most genuine people in the country. 

Today, we’re going to meet four locals keeping the heritage of the South alive. 

• Key Fletcher is going to take us to Little Rock, Arkansas to discover the black heritage of the state and beyond.

• Jeremy Morris, is going to invite us into his home, and Route 66 attraction, Red Oak 2 in Missouri, to find out about America’s ‘Mother Road’.

• Lola Campbell, a 6th generation Gullah native from Hilton Head South Carolina, is going to share stories of her ancestry and living culture today.

• Edna Nicole, a blues singer from Mississippi, is going to talk to us about the history of the Blues and where to discover America’s original music today.

From the Gullah culture of South Carolina to the Blues of Mississippi, this episode is a journey into the heart of the American South and what makes it such a unique and powerful place to visit.

Highlights include:

• Discovering the story of the Gullah Geechee people, one of the best preserved West African cultures in America.

• Exploring the museums, attractions and juke joints that tell the story of the Delta Blues in Mississippi.

• Hearing the story of Red Oak 2, one of Route 66’s most unique roadside attractions, and why it embodies the spirit of America’s most famous road.

• Enjoying a live performance of Edna Nicole’s latest single Delta Dirt.

• Finding out about the little-known history of the Mosaic Templars and how they helped to define black culture in the South.

FIND OUT MORE

Jeremy Morris: redoakiimissouri.com

Key Fletcher: arkansasheritage.com/mosaic-templars-cultural-center 

Lola Campbell: binyahhi.com

Edna Nicole: Instagram @ednanicole_music

Discover the American South at https://www.wanderlustmagazine.com/inspiration/discover-the-american-south/

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CREDITS

This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Lyn Hughes and Laura Field introduce the show. Aaron Millar is the interviewer and script editor. Audio production by Charles Tyrie.