The Gullah Geechee Legacy: 5 Shocking Facts About Simeon Daise's Parents, Ron And Natalie Daise, And Their 2025 Projects

Simeon Daise’s parents, Ron and Natalie Daise, are far more than just the beloved stars of the iconic 90s children's show *Gullah Gullah Island*; they are internationally recognized cultural ambassadors, award-winning authors, and artists whose work continues to shape the narrative of the Gullah Geechee people. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, their legacy is experiencing a powerful resurgence, with Natalie Daise preparing for a major art exhibition and Ron Daise launching a new, vital cultural tourism project, proving their commitment to preserving their heritage is stronger than ever. The Daise family’s influence extends from the Lowcountry of South Carolina to the national stage, not only through Simeon’s acting career in shows like *All American* but also through the deep, ongoing cultural work of his mother and father. This in-depth look reveals the full, rich story of Ron and Natalie Daise, including their most recent projects, their incredible family, and the profound impact they have on American culture today.

Ron and Natalie Daise: A Complete Biographical Profile

The parents of actor Simeon Daise embody a powerful blend of artistic talent, educational passion, and deep cultural roots, particularly in the Gullah Geechee community of the Lowcountry.

• Full Names: Ron Daise and Natalie O. Daise
• Occupations: Cultural Ambassadors, Authors, Storytellers, Educators, Actors, Artists, Consultants
• Known For: Starring as themselves (Ron and Natalie Alston) on the Nickelodeon/Nick Jr. show Gullah Gullah Island (1994–1998)
• Hometown/Roots: The Daise family is deeply rooted in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Ron Daise grew up on Helena Island.
• Marriage Year: 1985
• Children: Simeon Othello Daise (Actor, Director, Screenwriter, Afrofuturist), and Sara Makeba Daise (Writer, Griot, Cultural Worker)
• Major Cultural Work: Co-creators of the Gullah Geechee Wisdom Cards and Guidebook; extensive work in Gullah Geechee preservation and education.
• Recent Projects (2024/2025): Ron Daise—Co-developer of a new Hammock Coast historic site tour app; Natalie Daise—Featured artist in the SC State Museum's Artist Homecoming 2025 and speaker at the ELATE/NCTE Conference (2025).

The Powerful, Ongoing Cultural Work of Ron and Natalie Daise

The true story of Ron and Natalie Daise is a lifelong dedication to the preservation and celebration of the Gullah Geechee people—descendants of West and Central Africans who were enslaved and brought to the coastal regions of the southeastern United States. Their work goes far beyond their time on television, solidifying their status as essential American cultural figures.

Ron Daise: From *Gullah Gullah Island* Star to Tech-Savvy Historian

Ron Daise has continuously leveraged his platform to educate the public on the history and vibrant life of the Gullah Geechee Nation. His passion for history and storytelling is evident in his diverse career path. In a move that blends cultural preservation with modern technology, Ron Daise was featured in the news in June 2024 for co-developing a new app for the Hammock Coast. This project provides historic site tours, allowing visitors and locals to experience the Lowcountry’s deep history through guided, authentic narratives. This initiative shows his commitment to making Gullah Geechee history accessible in the digital age. Beyond his educational and consultation work, Ron is also an author and a successful entrepreneur. He wrote the comprehensive guidebook for the *Gullah Geechee Wisdom Cards*, a project that earned the 2017 SC African American Heritage Commission's Project Award. Furthermore, he is the owner of "Mr. Ron's Gullahlicious Pound," a business that hints at the culinary richness of the Gullah Geechee tradition—a perfect example of weaving culture into commerce.

Natalie Daise: A Visual Artist and Educator with a 2025 Exhibition

Natalie Daise has carved out a distinct and powerful career as a visual artist and educator, using her paintings and mixed-media projects to tell the stories of her people. Her work is highly sought after and frequently featured in major institutions. In a huge announcement for the regional arts community, Natalie Daise is scheduled to be a featured artist in the South Carolina State Museum's Artist Homecoming 2025 exhibition, which coincides with the anticipated reopening of the Lipscomb Art Gallery. Her contribution is a collaborative portrait project, which perfectly aligns with her focus on community and storytelling. Her art, which often utilizes oils, acrylics, and hand-painted/cut papers, features powerful cultural symbols, such as collard greens, to represent the deep connection between the Gullah Geechee people and the land. Her exhibition *Solace* and her inclusion in the "Return to Nature: A Gullah Geechee Story" exhibition further highlight her role as a leading contemporary artist preserving her heritage through visual media. In June 2024, both Ron and Natalie Daise were involved in the Juneteenth On the Yard celebration at the International African American Museum (IAAM), underscoring their continuous presence and relevance in major cultural events.

The Daise Family Legacy: Simeon and Sara Daise’s Cultural Inheritance

The rich Gullah Geechee legacy of Ron and Natalie Daise has profoundly influenced their children, Simeon and Sara, who are now carrying the torch of cultural ambassadorship in their own unique ways.

Simeon Daise: The Gullah Geechee Afrofuturist

Simeon Othello Daise, known to many for his role as Jabari on the BET show *All American*, has embraced his heritage as a core part of his identity and career. He describes himself as a Gullah Geechee Afrofuturist, a term that signals his intent to create new, expansive narratives that challenge and reshape traditional perspectives. His background on *Gullah Gullah Island* was not just a childhood acting job; it was an early lesson in cultural representation and the power of media. His current work as an actor, director, and screenwriter is a direct continuation of the Daise family’s mission to tell authentic Black stories.

Sara Makeba Daise: Writer, Griot, and Cultural Worker

Simeon’s sister, Sara Makeba Daise, is an equally compelling figure, embodying the family's dedication to cultural work through academia and spiritual practices. Sara is a Black, queer, fifth-generation Gullah Geechee Writer, Griot, Cultural Worker, Healer, and Diviner. Her professional work as a Cultural History Interpreter, including her time at the McLeod Plantation, demonstrates her commitment to teaching and contextualizing history. Furthermore, her book/journal, *Sankofa Shadow Work: Diaries of a Diasporic Diviner*, is a significant piece of literature that explores diasporic identity and healing, building on her parents' multidisciplinary approach to cultural preservation. The Daise family unit—Ron, Natalie, Simeon, and Sara—stands as a powerful testament to the enduring strength and adaptability of the Gullah Geechee culture. From a beloved children's show to contemporary art exhibitions, historical apps, and Afrofuturist narratives, Ron and Natalie Daise have successfully raised a family that is not only thriving in the entertainment and art worlds but is also deeply committed to honoring and advancing their ancestral heritage. Their ongoing projects in 2024 and 2025 ensure their story remains a vital part of the American cultural landscape.