Gullah Me, Gullah You - General Harriet Tubman

General Harriet Tubman

Philly native & Georgia transplant, Kova Walker has proudly portrayed Harriett Tubman for Historic Mitchellville Freedom Park at the 2024 South Carolina State Legislators appreciation reception in Columbia. Walker works in the creative arts industry with her most recent projects including work with legendary filmmakers Ava Duvernay in “Origin” and Clint Eastwood in “Juror #2”. She joins us to share her experience in embodying this important figure in our nation’s history.

November 11, 2024, in a Veterans Day Celebration, Harriet Tubman officially became Brigadier General Harriet Tubman, posthumously promoted to a one-star general in the Maryland National Guard at a ceremony that took place at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park where her military service during the Civil War was recognized.

Curated by Meldon Hollis, most recently Visiting Professor of Political Science at Savannah State University and prior joining the faculty at Savannah State, who served as Associate Director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, General Harriet Tubman is a dynamic, living celebration of Tubman’s importance in the Mitchelville community. Hollis, worked with federal departments and agencies to assure access and participation in federal programs for more than 100 HBCUs. His areas of responsibility included science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs, international programs, and emergency management. He served as the first Executive Director of the White House Initiative under President Carter. Currently serving on the Board of Directors of the Hilton Head Island Gullah Museum, his public service includes the Board of Directors of Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) in Washington, D.C., the Board of Trustees of the Massachusetts Bay Community College, President of the Baltimore City School Commissioners, Chairman of the Board of the Baltimore Urban League and as a radio station talk show host for nine years on WEAA–FM in Baltimore.

Joining the GGCS’s house band, The Lavon Stevens Trio, our musical guest artist for this episode is soulful vocalist Marti Baker, who specializes in inspiring praise music. In addition to the namesake pianist/leader, the trio includes bassist Clarence Williams and drummer Jimmy Charles.

Lavon Stevens, artistic advisor
Special Guests:
Dr. Meldon Hollis, Jr., Member, Board of Directors, Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island
Kova Walker, Harriet Tubman
Marti Baker, vocalist

The Lavon Stevens Band:
Lavon Stevens, piano
Clarence Williams, bass
Jimmy Charles, drums