Reps. Davis, Scott and Schofield Applaud Georgia Supreme Court Ruling Protecting Sapelo Island’s Gullah Geechee Community

ATLANTA - State Representatives Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), Sandra Scott (D-Rex) and Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta) today applaud the Georgia Supreme Court's ruling in favor of Sapelo Island's Gullah Geechee community, allowing a referendum that lets Sapelo Island residents vote on a zoning ordinance in the historic Hogg Hummock community.

"This decision is a victory for democracy and for the preservation of one of Georgia's most treasured historical communities," said Rep. Davis. "The Gullah Geechee people of Sapelo Island have endured generations of displacement and systemic neglect. This ruling affirms their constitutional right to fight back and to protect their homes and heritage. We remain committed to working alongside the residents to ensure their voices are never silenced."

"The fight for Sapelo Island is about more than zoning; it is about justice, history and respect for the Gullah Geechee people who built this community through resilience and strength," said Rep. Scott. "I stand firmly with the residents of Sapelo in their struggle against unchecked development that threatens their cultural survival. This ruling is a reminder that the people's voice must always come first."

"We have joined the Sapelo Island residents in their efforts to protect their community," added Rep. Schofield. "This ruling is more than a legal victory; it is a moral one. The Gullah Geechee people of Sapelo Island deserve to have their culture, history and community protected from displacement. Standing with the residents in the courtroom was a reminder that their fight is Georgia's fight. We will continue to raise our voices, strengthen partnerships and make sure that Sapelo's heritage is preserved for generations to come."

These legislators, who attended the April 16, 2025, oral arguments before the Georgia Supreme Court, have advocated for Sapelo residents. At the request of the residents, they drafted legislation titled the "Coastal Island Preservation Act" with the goal of addressing this complaint and protecting Sapelo Island from development. However, Rep. Davis states that because of the ten-bill limit per legislative session, the bill was filed in the Senate as Senate Bill 135. Representatives Davis, Scott and Schofield remain committed to advocating for legislative solutions that seek to preserve this community.

*Editor's note: these representatives have included a photo from a press conference regarding this issue.

Representative Viola Davis represents the citizens of District 87, which includes a portion of DeKalb County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Health, Insurance, Natural Resources & Environment and Urban Affairs committees.

Representative Sandra Scott represents the citizens of District 76, which includes a portion of Clayton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves on the Banks & Banking, Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Insurance and Reapportionment and Redistricting committees.

Representative Kim Schofield represents the citizens of District 63, which includes a portion of Fulton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2017 and currently serves as the Secretary of the Urban Affairs Committee. She also serves on the Creative Arts & Entertainment, Health, Industry and Labor and Small Business Development committees.

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