Barn Raising in Our Beloved Community

James Island was 1st settled in 1670,

Characterized by plantations.

Moving forward The Town of James Island succeeded

Then was founded in 1992

And finally incorporated April 24, 2012.

Our history is enduring.

There is evidence of indigenous

Native communities

Dating back 4,500 years ago.

Our residents are likened to:

A congregation of trees

(Live oaks, palmettos, magnolia and sweet gums)

That come together to tell our story

Trees are metaphoric  ancestors

That have watched over us for centuries.

Building and growing anything

Comes with costs:   more people, more homes,

and cars that need parking spaces.

Here in the Lowcountry, specifically,

James Island,

We are a confluence of

Coastal vibes, history, nature, and good food.

Dr King dreamt of the

“Beloved Community”

As a place

Where people of great variety

Come together,

Respect each other

And work toward the greater good.

Let us focus on community building

To promote positive engagement with one another.

Our shared cultural signifiers:

Slow mornings,

Friendly locals, tire swings,

Sweet tea, Lowcountry boil,

Fresh seafood, live oaks,

Saltwater marshes, plantations/gardens

Gullah Geechee culture, SC charm,

Southern hospitality and water access.

How fortunate we are to have:

Northern mockingbirds sing at dawn/dusk;

Carolina wongs whistle songs in backyards;

And, American robins cheerful song in the early mornings.

How blessed we are to have:

Gorgeous sunset over the ocean, marsh.

Places like Bowen Island, Mosquito Beach,

Melton Peter Demetre Park and Plymouth Park.

These places glow in the evening for us..

This is our shared community

This is our shared home.

Let today’s groundbreaking

Be the start of our barn raising.