Skip to main content

Savannah Black Heritage Festival Opens with In-Person Events Feb. 1

The Savannah Black Heritage Festival kicks off Feb. 1 with the theme, "The Festival Lives So Our Legacy Thrives."

The 34th annual Savannah Black Heritage Festival (SBHF) will take place February 1 - 28 in-person with the central theme, “The Festival Lives So Our Legacy Thrives.” Committed to emphasizing the importance of celebrating Black culture, the festival will bring cultural education 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 Westley W. Law's 100th Birthday (01/01/1923),” said Festival Director Teresa-Michelle Jackson. “The first Savannah Black Heritage Festival was held on August 20, 1988, and originated under the guidance and leadership of the late W.W. Law and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, with moral support and general funding from the City of Savannah.”

Headlining the Gospel Explosion is G. Allen Battle and Family Worship. "More than a singing group, more than music, Family Worship is a movement," said Carolyn Battle, Family Worship soprano soloist. G. Allen Battle is the director of the vocal group.

This year’s festival will also feature the acclaimed Step Afrika! dance company that dedicates its performance style to the African American tradition of “stepping.”

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 a focus on youth and the community.

Presented by Savannah State University and the City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Resources, all festival events and activities are free of admission and open to the public thanks to our generous community sponsors and donors. For up-to-date details and access to the virtual offerings, visit www.savannahblackheritagefestival.org or call 912-358-4309.

Popular posts from this blog

SSU Foundation, Inc. Elects New Officers

    Chairwoman, Dr. Clementine Washington  The Savannah State University Foundation elected new officers during its 2025 winter board meeting held January 18 on the Savannah State University campus. The new officers will serve a 3-year term and were sworn into their new roles effective immediately. The new officers include Chairwoman, Dr. Clementine Washington; Vice Chairman, Mr. Michael Kaigler; Secretary, Mr. James Melvin; Treasurer, Mr. John Kelley; and Financial Secretary, Mrs. Carolyn Price. “It is with profound humility and gratitude that I thank you for your vote of confidence in electing me to serve as Chairman of the Savannah State University Foundation, Inc.,” said Washington. “During my term of office, we will work together as ‘One SSU’ to conduct the business of the Foundation, pursue my campaign goals, and consider other initiatives that may be presented, evaluated, and approved by the board membership.” The Savannah State University Foundation, Inc. is ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Message from Interim President Alexander

  Dear   SSU Campus   Community,   As we start the new year, I would like to take a moment to recount the many milestones we achieved as a campus family in 2024. This was a year of positive change, strategic growth and   major   accomplishments for our beloved Savannah State University (SSU). I am so proud of how our students, faculty, and staff have set and reached new goals and how many   of   our alums have lovingly supported their alma mater and inspired the next generation.   By strategically targeting expanding job markets, diligently pursuing grants, and writing winning proposals, we are now developing new courses in elementary education, forensic toxicology, and film. By collaborating with local, national, and international partners, we have secured internship opportunities for our students in manufacturing, healthcare, and several Dutch-owned companies, pursuant to a successful summer visit with the King and Queen of the Neth...
Post a Comment
Read more

Dr. Jermaine Whirl Named SSU President

Dr. Jermaine Whirl   The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) today named Dr. Jermaine Whirl president of Savannah State University (SSU), effective April 1, 2025. Whirl, an Aspen Fellow, most recently served as president of Augusta Technical College (ATC), a role he has held since November 2020. Whirl’s career includes nearly 20 years of service as a faculty member and administrative leader at public colleges and universities in his home state of South Carolina and in Georgia. He has previously worked at several institutions, including Greenville Technical College, Savannah Technical College, Georgia Southern University and East Georgia State University. “As we welcome Dr. Whirl back into the USG family, we deeply appreciate the steadfast and dedicated leadership of interim President Cynthia Robinson Alexander,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “Cynthia has laid a strong foundation for Savannah State’s future, one that Dr. Whirl is well-equipped to build...
Post a Comment
Read more