We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Luana M. Graves Sellars . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Luana M. below.

Luana M., appreciate you joining us today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

The work that I do has grown out of a personal desire to not only discover my roots and newly found culture, but to share my story with others that are on a similar journey. My path has taken me to alot of unexpected places that have tapped into untold stories. What I have found is that the story of my ancestors is just like so many others. That similarity with other descendants of enslaved people has lead to an amazing response of gratitude and appreciation for what I have been told is “tending a garden of culture and information.”

Everyday, whether throught an email, conversation or social media, someone says thank you for the work that I do. My work is sometimes overwhelming both emotionally and mentally, however, I understand the value of it for myself as well as those who follow me. And for that, I am motivated every day to continue to not only do the work, but also continue on my cultural journey of discovery.

Luana M., love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

A degree in Journalism with a dual minor in Business and Black History did not prepare me to live on Hilton Head Island, one of the most culturally rich and historic areas of the South. Living on the island motivated me to become a contributing writer for a couple local magazines with a focus on Gullah culture, its history, people and native island issues by researching, documenting and publishing cultural legacies in an effort towards preservation. After a few years, I realized that expanding into visual media, and writing and producing cultural videos and documentaries and a podcast would grow my audience.

Focusing on the culture meant that I could not preserve it without also protecting the culture’s greatest asset, historic Gullah land. The work continued to evolve into being a documentarian, a keynote speaker and founder of/
.the nonprofit(s) Lowcountry Gullah and the Lowcountry Gullah Foundation.

This year, my documentary, Harriet Tubman |From the Railroad to a Spyhad it’s broadcast premiere on PBS, the Foundation was awarded the SCORE of the Lowcountry Nonprofit of the Year 2022, and I was recognized by the Truth Telling Project as a cultural influencer with their Radical Truth Teller Award.

I believe that through my work, that I am sustaining and preserving Gullah culture for future generations by telling the untold stories that educate and inspire people to understand more about who they are and where they came from. And for that, I am very grateful, humbled and proud that I am able to give my ancestors a voice.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Interestingly enough, my work was never my plan, however, it has become clear that it’s my life’s work and mission to tell the untold stories of my ancestors, even if they’re not my own.

American History has really been silencing the voices and experiences of enslaved people. To be fortunate enough to be able to tell and share their stories to a large and appreciative audience is truly a blessing that I appreciate and do not take for granted. 11

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

To me, social media has been a byproduct of the growth of my work. Having strong content through articles, video shorts, documentaries and a podcast, coupled withconsistency, is the best way to get and keep their attention. I have found that providing a variety of relevant and topical information, speaks to different people in different ways, and that makes a great difference in developing a following.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lowcountrygullah.com
• Instagram: @lowcountrygullah
• Facebook: @lowcountrygullah
• Linkedin: @lowcountrygullah
• Youtube: @lowcountrygullah
• Other: Podcast – www.lowcountrygullahpodcast.com or anywhere you enjoy your favorite podcasts.

Image Credits
Lisa Staff for personal pictures