News Summary
The Wright family celebrates a significant victory in their historic battle to keep their Hilton Head Island home. Following a settlement with Bailey Point Investment, the family can retain their property, which embodies their deep cultural roots and heritage, particularly within the Gullah Geechee community. This outcome not only ends a lawsuit but also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Gullah landowners fighting against displacement and development pressures.
The Wright Family Triumphs in Historic Battle for Hilton Head Island Home
In a remarkable turn of events, the Wright family achieved a significant victory in their long-standing battle to retain their cherished home on Hilton Head Island. Just two months following the passing of matriarch Josephine Wright at the age of 94, the family secured a crucial settlement agreement, allowing them to keep their historic property—a symbol of resilience and heritage.
Details of the Settlement
Family spokesperson Altimese Nichole confirmed that the settlement effectively ends any further attempts by the Georgia-based construction company, Bailey Point Investment, to challenge the Wrights’ ownership of their land. The company had previously filed a lawsuit in February 2023, alleging property encroachments related to the Wright home, stirring emotions and igniting fears of displacement.
Following months of mediation that commenced in September 2023, an agreement was finally reached, stipulating that Bailey Point would abandon all claims on the Wright family property and would not pursue any future offers to purchase their land. Importantly, the settlement outlines several remedial actions including repairs to part of the old home’s roof, landscaping enhancements on the Wright property, and the installation of a privacy fence separating the Wright land from Bailey Point’s new development.
A Historic Home with Deep Roots
The Wright family’s residence is not just a house; it has been a home for generations, representing a direct connection to the Gullah Geechee community. The property has been in the Wright family since the Civil War, serving as a significant piece of cultural history in the region. However, the lawsuit highlighted a more dire situation as Gullah land ownership on Hilton Head Island had dramatically decreased from 3,500 acres to fewer than 700 acres in recent years—raising alarms about the potential for cultural erosion.
Support from the Community and Beyond
The Wright family’s courageous stand against the lawsuit did not go unnoticed. National attention erupted as they garnered support from numerous celebrities, including the likes of Tyler Perry and Snoop Dogg, who expressed solidarity with their cause. Tyler Perry has even pledged to build a new, customized home for the family on adjacent land, which is set to feature various modern upgrades in lines with a model termed the “Big Easy.”
In light of their experiences, the Wright family established The Josephine Wright Foundation, aimed at assisting other Gullah landowners in similar predicaments to protect their properties from development pressures. Community support surged following the initiation of a GoFundMe campaign, ultimately accumulating contributions exceeding $350,000. The foundation underscores the communal spirit and highlights the necessity of safeguarding the culture and heritage valued by the Gullah people.
Implications of the Settlement
This landmark settlement highlights the pressing issues surrounding land ownership and the ongoing challenges faced by Gullah descendants amidst threats of displacement. The agreement not only signifies a personal victory for the Wright family but also marks a significant moment for those fighting to preserve their heritage in the face of encroaching development.
Ultimately, the story of the Wright family exemplifies the resilience of individuals who champion their rights against what they describe as “bullying tactics” from developers. Their fight is a beacon of hope and a reminder of the importance of community, heritage, and the need for ongoing vigilance in land retention efforts.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Bluffton Opens New Welcome Center at Historic Site
Bluffton Unveils New Welcome Center to Honor Community Heritage
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Local News
- Wikipedia: Heirs Property
- Andscape: Local Black Landowners
- Google Search: Land Disputes in Hilton Head
- Black Enterprise: Wright Family Victory
- Google Scholar: Land Rights South Carolina
- AP News: Land Development in Hilton Head
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Property Rights
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
