Eric Turpin
After a February jam-packed with special events, you’d think the Native Island Business and Community Affairs Association would take a breather.
Not a chance.
Established in 1994, the association is on the go with a busy calendar that includes sponsorships, partnerships and support for an array of needs, activities and opportunities. Among those: art shows, concerts, a holiday market, food events, book and author gatherings, craft events and more.
At the heart of the association’s agenda is the annual Gullah celebration, coinciding with Black History Month. The association has hosted the event since 1996, offering opportunities to experience everything Gullah.
The association also worked closely with town planning officials to research and post signs noting historic Gullah neighborhoods on the island. The association also collaborates with the Mitchelville Preservation project to assure that Gullah history and culture are shared with the community.
Moreover, the association is a community resource committed to improving the quality of life for native islanders. Those efforts include mortgage assistance, small business development, a back-to-school backpack program providing students with food and supplies, and training in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, health and home ownership.
“Moving forward, we will continue to align with the community and the business community to offer assistance – basic business blocking and tackling – to start and manage businesses,” said Eric Turpin, executive director.
The COVID pandemic disrupted a number of events, Turpin said, but this year the association is back in high gear.
The heart of the association’s mission, he said, is “we need to run the organization like we are going to leave it to our grandchildren.”
