@gullahgeechee

Marquetta L. Goodwine, known as Queen Quet, serves as the elected Chieftess and Head of State for the Gullah/Geechee Nation, spanning coastal regions from North Carolina to Florida. She founded the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition in 1996, establishing headquarters on St. Helena Island, South Carolina to coordinate cultural preservation initiatives across the Sea Islands. Her leadership role includes managing the Gullah/Geechee Land & Legacy Fund, advocating for indigenous land rights, and representing the nation in environmental policy discussions. The Chieftess maintains an active schedule of cultural programming through three primary channels: the annual Gullah/Geechee Nation International Music & Movement Festival, regular workshops at the St. Helena Island Heritage Center, and traveling educational presentations at partner institutions. Her preservation work focuses on three core areas: documenting oral histories and traditional practices, protecting sacred sites and burial grounds, and maintaining sustainable fishing and agriculture methods. She holds advanced degrees in computer science and mathematics from Fordham University. Queen Quet's advocacy extends to participation in UNESCO heritage committees, climate change policy forums, and cultural resource management boards. She provides consulting services to museums, universities, and government agencies on Gullah/Geechee history, language preservation, and coastal environmental issues. The Chieftess regularly contributes to academic publications and media coverage about Sea Island culture, land retention strategies, and indigenous sovereignty rights.