Television personality and performing artist, Ron Daise, is coming to the midlands for a program on Gullah Geechee heritage.
Daise, known by many for his role as “Mr. Ron” on Nick Jr.’s television program, Gullah Gullah Island, will be performing Gullah Geechee Skrent (Strength) March 9 from 6:30 – 7:30 pm at Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College. It’s an opportunity for everyone to “cotch de laarnin,” which means, receive awareness about aspects of wisdom concerning the significance of a living culture that exists in communities along the southeastern coast of the United States. The program will include songs, poetry, excerpts from cultural writings, and personal insights, as the audience learns about the values and qualities that are inherent to his coastal heritage. Those in attendance are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items that will be donated to Sharing God’s Love, a local food pantry.
“Mr. Daise was absolutely fantastic,” said Antoinette Ursits, who attended the presentation. “He spoke eloquently, and his singing of traditional Gullah songs was moving.”
Daise is also the author of several books, including, “We Wear the Mask, Unraveled Truths in a Pre-Gullah Community” and “Turtle Dove Done Drooped His Wings, A Gullah Tale of Fight or Flight.” At the event, he will conduct sales and signings of these two pieces.
Daise is a former chairman of the federal Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission and the former Vice President for Creative Education at Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet. He is also a recipient of The SC Governor’s Award 2019; the SC Folk Heritage Award 1997; The Order of the Palmetto 1996, South Carolina’s highest honor; Silver and Gold Parent’s Choice awards; and is a 1997 and 1998 IMAGE Award and 1998 Daytime Emmy nominee.
Learn more at www.rondaise.com. For ticket information contact 803-407-5011 or harbisontheatre.org.
