Storyteller brings slavery to life

Gullah festival continues today at park

By Aliana Ramos - aramos@thesunnews.com

PAWLEYS ISLAND --

Queen Earline shouts as she gets to the end of the aisle, "Lias, Lias."

Swathed in fabric printed with African women, Earline Hilton quickly launches into her role as a storyteller, recounting the story of slavery in Georgetown County.

"Here they was on Front Street, where they start selling us for $1 or a quarter apiece," Hilton said.

"I was clutching my mother and my sisters. But I was not going. And they knocked me down," Hilton said.

Hilton's performance was part of the third annual Treasures of the Tidelands Festival, which kicked off Friday and continues through May 4. She talked and sang in front of a crowd of about 25 at the Gullah O'oman Shop and Museum in Pawleys Island.

The museum hosted Hilton as part of the sixth annual Gullah Geechee Rice Festival, which for the first time this year is part of the Treasures of the Tidelands Festival.

Hilton traveled from New York to take part in the celebration.

"It's important to tell this story because we should be proud of our roots. Now, I want everybody to know. We didn't go through it. But our ancestors did. We are part of our ancestors," said Hilton, who grew up in Georgetown.

Tears filled Hilton's eyes as she recounted the hard work of slaves in cotton and rice fields.

Using historical items such as a leather prod, lantern and basket, Hilton demonstrated the life of a slave.

"I can't help but to get emotional when I think about it," Hilton said.

Hilton will be performing again today at the Gullah Rice Festival at Parkersville Park in Pawleys Island. Events begin at 10 a.m. Contact ALIANA RAMOS at 357-9520.

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