Lecture Series at Hampton Lake Discusses African-American Rice Culture
March 24 2010

Bluffton, S.C. – As part of its monthly lecture series, Hampton Lake, will host a lecture about African-American Rice Culture given by James Gardner, the program and athletic director of the City of Hardeeville Parks and Recreation Department and a native of Ridgeland, SC. The lecture will be held Wednesday, April 14th at 11am in the Lakeview Room at Hampton Lake and is free and open to the public.

Gardner will discuss the history, heritage and culture of African-American residents of the South Carolina Lowcountry in addition to sharing recipes from his self-published cookbook, “Preserving! Praising! And Sharing!” Sample dishes from the cookbook will be provided for the audience to taste.

 “This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the contributions of African-Americans to the Lowcountry rice industry and culture which makes our area so unique,” said Catherine Guscio, Membership Director of Hampton Lake. 

Guests are invited to spend time Lakeside following the lecture at Hampton Lake’s Amenity Village. Backwater Bill’s, the community’s casual lakefront restaurant, will be open for lunch (credit card only). Call 843.836.7475 for reservations. 

 In addition to his current position, Gardner also serves as president of the “River’s Edge” Consulting Group and has been elected to numerous county boards including Jasper County School Board, Lowcountry Regional Education Center and Friends of the Savannah Coastal Wildlife Refuges. He has done extensive research of West African influences and contributions to Lowcountry rice production and cultivation and received many awards for his community service. 
Hampton Lake is located on Bluffton Parkway, off Hwy 278. For more information about the lecture, visit www.hamptonlake.com or call Catherine Guscio at 843.836-7463.