My name is Griffin Lotson.

Born and bred in the Gullah Geechee culture. Found out after I moved back home.

I lived in Washington DC for 12 years and got deeper involved in the Gullah Geechee culture. And from that I've learned a lot, and I'm considered, they say, an "expert." I didn't give myself that title. I just said, “Is that what I am?” I didn't know that's what I was, but I just really pushed myself into the culture.

I'm a seventh-generation Gullah Geechee. I am the vice chair of the federal government Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor. Emeritus, now. I'm the longest-serving commissioner.

I got started in 2006 through 2007. The commission was set up.

I was a part of this commission, as they say, “before country was cool.” I was a part of it before Gullah Geechee was cool.

I was here at the beginning, before it was a commission. I attended all of the meetings, because it was my culture.