Acclaimed Gullah chefs Charlotte and Kesha Jenkins will have the second installment of their new De Gullah Farmers Market Sept. 18–20 on a plot of family land in the historic Ten Mile community between Mount Pleasant and Awendaw. The mother-daughter duo started the market last month.
Offering fresh produce, florals, snacks and seasoning blends, the market began as a way to bring the Gullah community closer together and to share an awareness of Gullah foodways, culture and communities with the public.
Settled on a few acres of land passed down through generations, the Ten Mile community is small, but tightly knit and full of history. Across from the market lies the marsh of Copahee Sound. The Atlantic Ocean is only a few miles down the road.
There’s always a salty, cool breeze that blows through the area. Homes shared by family — aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers, sisters, grandchildren and close friends — are closely clustered. Members of these families run most of the stands at the market held on property that has been in the Ascue, Jenkins and related families for more than 150 years.
“My grandmother’s (Julia Ascue) house is more than a century old,” Kesha said. “We’ve fought to have this area recognized as Gullah ancestral land so that developers can’t come in and take it away. This land is part of who we are.”
A lifelong cultivation of the land
Charlotte and Kesha have always grown their own fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables, even before Charlotte’s restaurant Gullah Cuisine opened in 1997.
Renowned as one of Charleston’s favorite authentic Gullah Geechee restaurants, the now-closed Gullah Cuisine focused on using local and fresh ingredients straight from the Jenkin’s garden and from local farmers. Dish standouts at the restaurant included handpicked deviled crabs, Gullah rice and okra soup.
Now retired from the restaurant business but offering private event and catering services, Charlotte and Kesha decided they wanted to continue to share that same locally sourced experience. They also wanted a way to support Gullah farmers and communities.
“It’s very farm-to-table, very fresh and full of surprises,” said Kesha. “A lot of what we do isn’t written down in books. You have to be here to see it, to taste it, to understand it.”
The idea for the market grew from the family garden, especially as Kesha began experimenting with fresh herbs and seasonal crops for her business, Gullah Tings. It sells seasoning blends for traditional Lowcountry dishes like seafood boil and shrimp and grits, along with snacks like okra chips and green bean crisps made from seasonal produce. This venture led to a larger vision: a farmers market that celebrates not only Gullah foodways, but also the broader cultural traditions tied to them.
In partnership with the market, Kesha and Charlotte say they hope one day to have a Gullah culinary and cultural school, a place where fresh food meets education, storytelling, art and cultural pride.
Currently, produce comes from Kesha’s and Charlotte’s gardens as well as Joseph Fields Farm on Johns Island. Partnerships are in development with other local farmers, such as Johns Island’s Rose Friedman. Fall crops including collards, cabbage, sweet potatoes, beans, squash and pumpkins will be central offerings. And once licensing is finalized, there are plans to include preserved vegetables, jams and Gullah dishes like okra soup.
The market looks forward
As the market gears up for its September weekend, there are plans for a grand opening in November. Kesha said she envisions it as a celebration with food, music, dance and demonstrations of Gullah culture. Local artisans and potential sponsors are being invited to join, not only to showcase their work but to help the market grow.
“We want it to be a party, something that’s fun and inviting,” Kesha said. “That way, future vendors can see the energy and decide if this is a space they want to be part of.”
The grand opening will also serve as a launching point for expanding the market’s reach. The plan isn’t to keep it stationary, but to move across different Gullah communities in the Lowcountry — from Lincolnville to Six Mile and beyond.
“Some of these areas don’t have a farmers market at all,” Kesha explained. “Why not collaborate and create celebrations across our communities, maybe once a month, so everyone can experience it?”
De Gullah Farmers Market’s vision is clear: to be a celebration of culture, a support system for local farmers and a beacon of heritage for the next generation.
“This is just the beginning,” Kesha said. “We want the market to be anywhere and everywhere in our communities. It’s about keeping our traditions alive, together.”
De Gullah Farmers Market will take place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 18 and Sept. 19 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 20. The market is at 4116 Highway 17 North in Awendaw. More: degullahfarmersmarket.com
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