Funded by the Melon Foundation
Reclaiming
our
roots
Giving Our Future More Strength
The GRACE Initiative was established to ensure the stories, traditions, and contributions of the Gullah people remain vibrant and accessible. Inspired by the legacy of our ancestors, GRACE supports education, collaboration, and resource-sharing to deepen understanding of Gullah history and contemporary life.
About Us
education
We are committed to ensuring that families understand their rights under the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act (UPHPA) and are equipped with the knowledge and resources to protect their land. Through our workshops, we provide essential education on how this law helps prevent forced sales, preserve generational wealth, and sustain cultural heritage.
What Our Workshops Cover Understanding Heirs’ Property & the UPHPA We break down how heirs’ property works, the risks of land loss, and how the UPHPA helps families retain ownership and prevent forced partition sales. Legal Protections & Rights
Participants learn how the UPHPA safeguards landowners through: Co-Owner Buyout Rights – Heirs have the first opportunity to purchase a share before an outsider can force a sale. Fair Market Value Determination – Courts must ensure that land is sold at a fair price instead of being undervalued. Alternatives to Forced Sales – Courts are required to explore division of land instead of automatically ordering a sale. Stronger Due Process Protections – All heirs must be notified before legal actions are taken. Prevention of Predatory Speculation – Protects against outsiders forcing sales to take advantage of vulnerable families.
South Carolina’s Adoption of the UPHPA South Carolina took an important step in protecting heirs’ property owners by adopting the UPHPA under the Clementa C. Pinckney Uniform Partition of Heirs’ Property Act in 2016. Named in honor of Senator Clementa C. Pinckney, a champion for justice and equity, this law provides critical protections for families facing partition sales. Our workshops ensure that South Carolina landowners fully understand how to utilize these protections and keep their land in the family. Why This Matters for Our Communities For generations, heirs’ property laws have been exploited to strip Black families of their land, particularly in the South. The UPHPA offers crucial protections, but many landowners remain unaware of their rights. Our workshops ensure that families understand how to navigate the legal system, access support, and take action to preserve their land.
Connecting to Our Mission The GRACE Initiative is dedicated to preventing heirs’ property loss in the Gullah community. By offering legal education, resources, and advocacy, we ensure that landowners are not left vulnerable to exploitation. Understanding and utilizing the UPHPA is a powerful step toward protecting our cultural heritage and securing land for future generations.