By: Marc Rapport, WeGOJA Board 

May 7, 2023

Over the past few decades, Michael “Mike” Allen and his work have become synonymous with African American historic preservation in South Carolina and beyond. 

His journey with historic preservation began not in a classroom but in his hometown of Kingstree. Witnessing the value placed on restoring and maintaining historic structures within his African American community instilled in him a deep appreciation for the tangible connection to the past. 

This personal foundation, coupled with the work he did at Fort Sumter beginning in 1980, paved the way for a transformative career dedicated to amplifying African American narratives within the broader historical landscape.

Allen’s 37-year tenure with the National Park Service (NPS) was marked by tireless efforts to bridge the gap between the public and the often-overlooked narratives of African American history. 

“Most entities in that organization didn’t really take much of a view to African American structures,” he says. Allen made it his mission to change that, working to bring awareness and support to neglected African American historic places.

Along the way, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor in 2006, the first corridor of its kind dedicated to highlighting the unique history and cultural contributions of the Gullah Geechee people of the Coastal Carolinas and Georgia. 

His unwavering dedication culminated in the landmark achievement of establishing the Reconstruction Era National Monument (now the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park) in Beaufort County in 2017, ensuring the stories of this pivotal period in American history are not relegated to the margins.

Raising Awareness and Empowering Communities

“My work has always been about raising awareness,” Allen stresses. “Seeing the lack of recognition given to African American historical sites fueled my passion to not only celebrate these spaces but empower communities to actively participate in their preservation.” 

From understanding the cyclical maintenance needs of brick masonry at Fort Sumter to recognizing the crucial structural integrity of the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, Allen’s experiences with the NPS solidified to him the importance of preserving these spaces not just for their physical presence but for the stories they hold.

Allen credits Dr. Peter Wood’s book “Black Majority” as a pivotal moment in his own awakening to the significance of African American history and culture. “This book opened my eyes to a pattern of history I hadn’t grasped before,” he shares. “It was a turning point, and the National Park Service became a platform for me to share this newfound understanding and advocate for the stories that were waiting to be told.”

Today, at age 65, Allen can look back with pride at the many tangible signs of progress he helped create, from historical markers to museum exhibits that help tell the full story of African American history in South Carolina. 

“The sign at Sullivan’s Island and Toni Morrison’s first Bench by the Road that recognizes the arrival of enslaved Africans, the Fort Moultrie visitor center and the African Passages exhibit, the Gullah Geechee trail, the Reconstruction site in Beaufort … none of these were there when I started. I’m grateful to have played a part in making all those happen,” he says.

Sharing Gullah Culture Through Tastee Treats

Following his retirement from the NPS in 2017, Allen continues to champion the preservation of Gullah Geechee culture through his online store, Tastee Treats. 

Alongside his wife, Latanya, they offer traditional Gullah desserts and treats like benne seed cookies, sweet grass baskets, and handmade pottery – providing a delicious and authentic window into the rich culinary and artistic heritage of the Gullah Geechee people.

“Tastee Treats is a way for us to share a slice of Gullah culture with a wider audience,” Allen says. “Preserving these traditions goes beyond physical structures; it’s about keeping the stories, the flavors, the crafts alive for future generations.”

A Call to Action for Aspiring Advocates

Looking forward, Allen’s advice for aspiring advocates is rooted in community engagement and unwavering perseverance. He emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s own history and building strong alliances, acknowledging the challenges that often accompany this work.

“First, get to know your story, your history, your heritage, and your community. Soak it all up,” he advises. “Be considerate of yourself and be willing to stand up against headwinds. Can’t say everything I did was easy because it was not. Opposition, pushback, disbelief, prejudice is there too.”

Mike Allen remains steadfast in his conviction. “I think we’re in a time and season where good works that we may have been involved in are simply invisible to a lot of Americans. That makes me more diligent about preservation and recognition,” he says. “I’m not afraid, I won’t be silenced. You shouldn’t be either.”