‘Our Legacy Thrives’ through the 34th annual Savannah Black Heritage Festival
By Kareem McMichael The Savannah Black Heritage Festival (SBHF) lives on now through its 34th year with the theme “The Festival Lives So Our Legacy Thrives.” Savannah State University is pleased to announce the festival that will take place February 1-28, 2023, in person. “This festival is very important and after covid it was more evident. This is a cultural and historical opportunity for our culture that we (the committee) fought for. It gives our youth background, culture, and legacy to be proud of,” said Teresa-Michelle Walker Jackson, Executive Director of SBHF. The festival experience will be sure to bring cultural education, economic growth for local Black owned businesses and exposure to the performing and visual arts, as well as historical gems and entertainment for all demographics and interests throughout the celebration. This is a special year for our festival after a three-year virtual hiatus and since we are honoring W.W. Law's 100th Birthday (01/01/1923). The 1st SBHF was held August 20, 1988 and originated under the guidance and leadership of the late Westley W. Law and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASAALH), with moral support and general funding from the City of Savannah. “W.W. Law was also very instrumental in starting this festival and the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum. He has done so much for this community, and he is a part of our legacy thriving,” said Walker Jackson. There will be a ‘free admission’ museum day at the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum on Sunday, Feb. 19 in celebration of Law’s 100th birthday that is open to the public. All of this going with the theme of making sure the next generation knows the legacy and history of Savannah. The traditional and powerful Gospel Explosion Concert will be Sunday, Feb. 26 at 4 p.m. at Kingdom Life Christian Fellowship. Opening performances by Savannah State University’s Wesleyan Gospel Choir members and American Idol contestant Gazzie White and MC E. Larry Mcduffie. Headlining the Gospel Explosion is G. Allen Battle and Family Worship. “We are so excited to be a part of the festival! It's an honor and a privilege to celebrate our rich and diverse culture through the art of music, especially gospel music - A genre that has been used as a guide, a support, and a provider of hope for so many,” said G. Allen Battle, Family Worship. This year’s festival will also feature the acclaimed Step Afrika. dance company which dedicates its performance style to the African American tradition of “stepping.” Returning as well is the festive family fun experience “Grand Festival Day” on Saturday, February 18 at the Student Union on the campus of Savannah State University from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. “We are so happy that we have this day back. There are activities for the whole family of all ages. From the health fair to a variety of performances from local talent, Magic Marc, storytelling, local vendors, and more,” said Walker Jackson. A new addition this year is a presentation from Vice President of Education and Understanding at ARRAY productions, Tammy Garnes, will screen the film, “Black Hollywood: They’ve Gotta Have Us” and present a corresponding interactive curriculum with students on the evolution of Blacks on film. Also new among other things is the “Savannah Cultural Arts Center Presents: The Savannah Black Art Expo” highlighting various local black artists and art organizations. The expo will feature art on display and for sale with performances by local talent and is free and open to the public. The schedule will include national and regional musicians, educational presentations, local youth talent, historic tours, and visual art exhibitions by internationally acclaimed and local artists. The festival will also include the W.W. Law Lecture series, dramatic productions, and a courageous conversation with focus on youth and the community. For up-to-date details and access to the virtual offerings, visit www.savannahblackheritagefestival.org or call 912-358-4309.
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