As visitors arrive at the gates of the Kingdom of Oyotunji, they are struck by a sign stating "You are now leaving the United States and entering this Kingdom." This unusual “kingdom” in Beaufort County South Carolina just off Highway 17, is grateful for the vision of landowner Martin Delaney. This Civil War era South Carolinian understood that if he were to return to his African roots, he should locate land in the lowcountry, purchase it and create an atmosphere similar to those found throughout the Caribbean West Indies and his Nigerian homeland. Fortunately for Delaney, post Civil War land ownership was encouraged for newly freed blacks (freedmen). Gen. Sherman’s controversial decision to set aside a portion of the low country rice coast south of Charleston for the exclusive settlement of blacks did not set well with the white landowners of that era and was a remarkable leap of newly minted freedmen.
Fast forward to the 21st century, and this modern day evolved Yoruba Village is still humming along. Just a day trip away from the Historic City’s of Charleston, S.C., to the north and Savannah, Ga., to the south and well worth the trip for Black History aficionados. There are tours of the village, craft sales at the local market and many festival events. Attractions include festivals throughout the season including African drum and dance performances, public events, and lectures designed to educate interested visitors. In that Yoruba religion is a vodun cult much like the mystery schools found in Haiti and other parts of the West Indies, there is a belief in astrology, the elements, and celebration of several African deities known as Orisha. The village compound features ten temples scattered around with a designated tribal member assigned to a temple according to astrological sign. The main thrust among residents is learning Yoruba culture, language, and history with a strong emphasis on being proficient in African music and art.