Sapelo

On Sapelo island, two young brothers, JerMarkest and Jonathan, are coming of age in the last remaining enclave of the Saltwater Geechee. As Sapelo’s storyteller and elder matriarch, their adoptive mother, Cornelia Walker Bailey, works to preserve what remains of her African-American community in the face of encroachment by property developers.

On Sapelo island, two young brothers, JerMarkest and Jonathan, are coming of age in the last remaining enclave of the Saltwater Geechee. As Sapelo’s storyteller and elder matriarch, their adoptive mother, Cornelia Walker Bailey, works to preserve what remains of her African-American community in the face of encroachment by property developers.

On Sapelo, brothers JerMarkest and Johnathan are growing up together under the watchful eye of their adoptive mother, Cornelia Walker Bailey. As they explore the island freely, we know the world awaits these young Black boys.

Meet Cornelia Walker Bailey, the elder matriach of the Georgia island of Sapelo. The storyteller, and her husband Frank, are working to preserve the heritage and culture of their people known as the Saltwater Geechee.

Eleven-year-old JerMarkest and 10-year old Johnathan are brothers growing up on Sapelo. Home to the Saltwater Geechee people, the island, and their adoptive parents, are giving the brothers a chance to live, learn and play in a safe space.

Welcome to Sapelo. The island in the state of Georgia has been the home to the Saltwater Geechee and remains a haven for the people still living there. But when developers come knocking, preservation of heritage and land becomes essential.