There is always something that we hold dear to our hearts, and we want to make sure that they are cherished.

Johnnie Mae’s legacy is one of love, determination, and unity. Faced with challenges over her family’s cherished land, she turned to the Center’s Sustainable Forestry Program for guidance.

In the Lowcountry, heirs’ property is more commonly owned by African American families, however, this form of landownership occurs whenever the law is not well understood

Ercelle C. was born on the King Plantation off Folly Road in 1914.  She picked cotton as a child and thanked the good Lord the day the boll weevil  put an end to it.

Van was at his wits’ end.  His monthly income had changed, and money was owed on the mortgage.  His father had bought the 42 acres he was living on in the 1940s, and now he was staring into the face of foreclosure.

When members of the Center staff visited the Manigault family home to talk about the forestry program, Louis Sr. stayed out of sight, in the back of the house, and periodically called out – “Don’t sign anything!”

Richard was born and raised on his grandfather’s land at the corner of 6-Mile and Rifle Range Road in Mt. Pleasant. “It was all dirt roads back then,” he said.  “My uncle used to come through with vegetables in a horse-drawn wagon.”

Altogether, Gloria’s family land is about 50 acres in Georgetown County. Lots of family members are living on the parcels. Gloria owns nine acres “free and clear” with another five as an heir.

Ms. Clarissa’s story is the story that shows the love and the determination to protect and restore those memories that she holds so dear. The beautiful home was passed from generation to generation, filled with memories fulfilling the home