Black history is an indelible part of the vibrant tapestry that is Savannah’s rich story. And throughout the month, there are some exciting and engaging events taking place to honor the culture, heritage and contributions of the African American community. Celebrate Black History Month in the Hostess City by attending these upcoming events.
Savannah Black Heritage Festival
The Savannah Black Heritage Festival returns for its 34th annual iteration with programming and events happening throughout the entire month. This year’s theme is “The Festival Lives So Our Legacy Thrives,” and the festival will bring cultural and historical education as well as performing arts and entertainment to the local community. The Grand Festival Day is set for Feb. 18 from 10 a.m, to 5 p.m. at Savannah State University’s New Student Union. For a full schedule of events, visit savannahblackheritagefestival.org/.
W.W. Law Lecture & Screening
As a part of the Savannah Black Heritage Festival, the Savannah African Art Museum has collaborated with Telfair Museums to present a special documentary screening of “The Language You Cry in.” The documentary will be shown on Feb. 8 at 6 p.m. at the Jepson Center. “The Language You Cry In” is a scholarly detective story that tells of links discovered between 18th century Sierra Leone and the Gullah people of present-day Georgia. The screening will be followed by a discussion with Gullah Geechee storyteller and historian Griffin Lotson.
Black History Month Celebration at Live Oak Public Libraries
SCAD Tours: Preserving Black History in Savannah’s Communities
The Savannah College of Art and Design invites the local community to travel across time on a bus tour centering visionary voices in Savannah’s African American community. The tours will depart from the SCAD Museum of Art on Sunday, Feb. 5 at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets can be reserved on Eventbrite.
Honoring Our Roots
On February 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Savannah African Art Museum is collaborating with the Bull Street Library Kaye Kole Genealogy & Local History Room to host a workshop that will provide tips and resources for tracing your roots. The workshop will include a brief discussion on the importance of knowing your roots, the resources that are available at the library and tips on where to start. The event will be held at the Bull Street Library.
