Administrative Coordinator
Inda Walker
Inda Walker, is a native of Beaufort, the youngest of 14 children, she is the daughter of a preacher. Inda retired from the Beaufort County School District after 28 years of service. A neighbor of Aunt Pearlie Sue, she has been working in the background with The Gullah Kinfolk for many years and has recently joined the forefront, singing Soprano. Inda holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Central Christian University.
Gullah Kinfolk
Natasha Robinson
Natasha Robinson, from St. Helena Island, SC, began performing at age 12 for The Penn Heritage Days Celebration, followed by entertaining at Gullah House Restaurant, Gullah Geechee Mahn Tours and later The Spirit of Old Beaufort Tours. By age 15 Natasha was performing with The Hallelujah Singers, The Beaufort's Writers Conference, and The Original SC Gullah Festival. A graduate of Beaufort High School, she was the lone female High School athlete chosen to represent SC in the 1994 Track and Field Competition in Barcelona, Spain, where she received two silver medals for The Shot Put and Discus. She has culinary experience as head Chef/Kitchen Manager at Bayou Street Café in Savannah, Georgia. In 2007, she joined the Army as a linguist and mechanic. She returned to St. Helena Island after an injury precipitated her discharge as a Disabled Veteran. She started a non-profit event, Rip the Green, and is developing a program for girls, Girlstrong. Natasha studied Elementary Education and Theatre at Claflin University on an Athletic Scholarship. She is the mother of one son, Zaiire Lordon Sāviyah Robinson.
Gullah Kinfolk
Joan Linyard
Joan Linyard, is a native of Beaufort, South Carolina. She became part of the Gullah Kinfolk family in March, 2010 as an alto. Joan was employed by Beaufort County Council for 16 ½ years. She is retired from the Beaufort County School District where she served as a Literacy Intervention Teacher. Joan earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina, Beaufort and holds certification through the state of South Carolina in the area of Early Childhood Education.
Gullah Kinfolk
Larry Singleton
Larry "Peanut" Singleton is a native of Beaufort, South Carolina and one of the founding members of the Gullah Kinfolk. Being a connoisseur of good food, he has been in the Food Service industry for 29 years, working at the Westin Resort as the Stewarding Captain. “Peanut” devotes much of his time helping Rosemary Baptist Church Choir and other choirs.
Gullah Kinfolk
Raul Bradley
Raul Bradley sings tenor for the Gullah Kinfolk. Born in Columbia, SC, he is an ordained minister at Bibleway Church in Columbia, served in the Army during Vietnam and taught in the public school system for 35 years. He is married to the love of his life, Gloria, and they have 6 children, 14 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. He graduated from CA Johnson High School, received a Bachelor of Science degree from Claflin University and a Master’s Degree from SC State University.
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Gullah Kinfolk
Leontae' Marie Veliz
Leontae' Veliz started singing in church as a little girl and fell in love with singing. She sang with American Idol 2013 winner Candice Glover in a group called Youthful Praiz and has been singing with Gullah Kinfolk for over 10 years. She is married to the love of her life and has three children.
Gullah Kinfolk
Chahn Chess
Chahn C. Chess, III MPH holds a Bachelors of Science in Chemistry from Norfolk State University and a Master's of Public Health, International Health from Loma Linda University. He is retired from the United States Navy and is a dancer for the Gullah Kinfolk Traveling Theater.
Scott Gibbs
Musical Director
Scott Gibbs, is a native of Beaufort, is retired from the Beaufort County Department of Social Services where he was employed for 33 years. Scott is a vocalist, musician and director of fashion shows, pageants, musicals and plays. He has received many honors and awards, most recently District Director’s Award for 25 years of outstanding service, leadership and unselfish dedication as the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Miss Black and Gold Pageant Chairman. He serves as Church Treasurer and Director of the Church Choir at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church. In addition, he is a musician for the St. Paul Baptist Church Adult Choir. His service to the community includes President of Carae’s Lowcountry Modeling, Business Manager for Fellowship Concert Choir, Vice President of the Beaufort County State Employees Association and Chairperson for Beaufort County Youth Conference. Scott is a graduate of SC State University.
Bessie Bates
Gullah Kinfolk
Bessie Bates, a native of St. Helena Island, has a home-based business, Bessie’s Quilts and Etcs. and is the President of her Band, BB + Company. She is a member of the Bountiful Word & Worship Church. Betsy is a graduate of Beaufort High School and Technical College of the Low Country. She is currently studying on-line at Stradford University.
Jerome Bates
Gullah Kinfolk
Jerome Bates, grew up in Beaufort. He loves playing the congas and bongos, all kinds of jazz and gospel music – and basketball. He works at Beaufort Naval Hospital. Granville is married to Bessie Glover Bates. They have six children and five grandchildren.
Gloria Jackson
Gullah Kinfolk
Gloria Jackson, born and raised in Burton, South Carolina, is the fifth of eleven children. She is a retired elementary school teacher who continues to work with children and serve as a caregiver and County Election worker. Gloria has 4 children and 5 grandchildren. She enjoys exercising and hiking nature trails. Her degrees include an Associated Degree from Mather Jr. College, a degree in Elementary Education from Claflin University, and a Master of Arts in Education from Pepperdine University.
JacQueline Lawton
Gullah Kinfolk
Dr. JacQueline Lawton, sings Soprano and was a founding member of Gullah Kinfolk. Born in Jacksonvile, Florida, she is an educator with the Beaufort County School District. While teaching in Atlanta, she was voted Teacher of the Year for her work at Toney Elementary School and served as Assistant Principal at World Changers Christian Academy. She teaches at Robert Smalls International Academy in Beaufort, where she was elected 2018-2019 Teacher of the Year. Currently she serves as the Chairman of the Board for the Zeta National Educational Foundation, Inc. where she oversees the Million Dollar Endowment and the distribution of scholarships and community service activities. She started her own Foundation, A Rich Legacy, which supports the growth and development of healthy children. JacQueline is a graduate of Battery Creek High School in Beaufort, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from SC State University; a Master of Education and a Doctorate in Educational Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi; and a PhD in K-12 schools.
Clayso Wrice
Gullah Kinfolk
Clayso Wrice, a native of Islandton, SC, grew up with seven siblings. He served in the educational system of South Carolina for 29 years and as a clinical counselor with the Dept. of Mental Health. His theatrical experience includes several years of Community Theater, teaching and directing drama to seventh and eighth graders. He is the founder of a summer drama camp in Colleton County. Clayso has been with the Gullah Kinfolk for approximately ten years. He is a graduate of Ruffin High School and did further studies at Claflin University, SC State University, Furman University, University of South Carolina and Clemson.