Greenville seeks sister city status with Banjul, Gambia

An upcoming excursion to West Africa promises to serve as the official sister city relationship between Greenville and Banjul, Gambia. The relationship will not necessarily be one starting from scratch. Historian, professor, and executive director of Khafre, Inc., C. Sade Turnipseed has a well-established relationship with the locals. ‘I go every year to teach at the University of Gambia,” she explained. “And the more I talk to the students there, the more I realize that they know nothing about those of us who left. So, we are making the connection between them and their ancestors that has been lost.”

Accompanying Turnipseed will be Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau Communications Director Catherine Maxwell Gardner. Gardner appeared before the Greenville City Council during the governing body’s June 17 meeting requesting assistance for the three-week trip. Greenville Mayor Errick Simmons demonstrated good faith in the effort by drafting a proclamation for Banjul Mayor, Rohey Malick Lowe, the capital city’s first woman to hold the position.

Capturing the spirit and promise of the exchange between the two cities, Simmons wrote, “Greenville and Banjul share rich histories, resilient people, and traditions shaped by the African diaspora, and enduring transatlantic connections. Greenville embraces the opportunity to build a lasting partnership rooted in friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect.”

Turnipseed and Gardner plan to immerse themselves in local culture and customs during their three-week trip. Greenville’s gift to Banjul will be locally developed art that pays tribute to Delta Blues music. “There is a connection between the music, art, culture, and food,” Gardner said. “For instance, their use of okra helps you understand on a deeper level why mom nem’ cooked the way they did when we were growing up.”

Journalists will follow the two while they are abroad and document their experience. Each week, Turnipseed and Gardner will provide photos and an article chronicling their trek. They leave for Gambia on Wednesday, June 24, and already have plans to trace the nation’s history and culture to some familiar figures in American history. “Phylis Wheatley, the mother of African literature in America is from Gambia,” Turnipseed explained. “We plan to trace her heritage back to her African roots and try to find out what her African name might have been. We also plan to visit some of the sights where the movie, Roots was filmed.” The pair also plan to visit the neighboring nation, Senegal while abroad to visit the House of Slaves Monument on Goree Island.