The McIntosh County Shouters
Hear Me Roar
Way back in the day, some six generations ago in McIntosh County, Jenkins’ family members often gathered to share their Gullah Geechee heritage in the form of the Shout, performing their ancestral stories through movement, word and song, especially during worship on Sundays. Today the McIntosh County Shouters continue to share this living history. Their performance of the Shout has been proclaimed by many as the roots of all music in America. Yes, ALL American music.
We sat down with nine of the ten member group, each one graced with a special purpose in honoring their ancestors. The Shouters are all cousins, who are descendants of London and Amy Jenkins, and have lived in McIntosh all their lives. L.C., Carolyn, Carletha, Freddie, Dennis, Kantressa, Carol, Brenton and Vanessa were happy to share views and stories of their nearly 40 years in public performance. Carletha spoke first: “We did not learn the Shout; it is in us. The old souls of our ancestors come right on out!”