THE BLACK MOSES FREEDOM FESTIVAL

by Eboni Holmes

My name is Eboni Holmes and I have been practicing Yoga for over 15 years. I have worked in healthcare for over 25 years, with the last 15 years focusing primarily on Holistic and Alternative Methods of healing. I have always been a healer and an active member of the community. I offer private and group classes, as well as Healing Retreats throughout the Southeast. Yoga has changed my life dramatically in the last 5 years since I began teaching and I am excited about sharing these methods and tools with the community.This festival is a personal way for me to give back to my ancestors who endured so much more than I could ever imagine. My father was born in Beaufort, SC in 1942 and for as long as I can remember, Beaufort has been the magical place we visited every summer. I attended Lady’s Island Jr. High, when we lived in Beaufort for 3 years during my childhood. My grandmother was born in Allendale, SC and was said to be a part of the Yamassee tribe, I have yet to confirm that through my research.

The Black Moses Freedom Festival is a vital component supporting the communities in Beaufort County, according to The Indicator Report 2021 entitled “Together For Beaufort County. The recommendations section touched on several areas that are a part of the pillars of The Black Moses Freedom Festival:

Environment

The residents of Beaufort County could benefit from connecting with nature with hopes of garnering a respect for nature that leads to conservation and cleaner living Building of Community Gardens

Encouraging physical activities such as biking and walking

Health

Increase activity for children and elders, yoga is great for both Healthy Food options and preparation Opportunities for individually-adapted programs to teach lifelong behavioral skills

Social Well Being

Identifying areas known to be food deserts

The 5 Pillars That Honor The Legacy of Harriet Tubman & Goals of BMFF

1. God First: Harriet believed in a Higher Power that guided her through the most dangerous situations, freeing hundreds of slaves and never being caught. Being a woman of small stature and living well into her 90’s, we must believe that she had supernatural help guiding and protecting her. She was a believer, and allowed GOD to lead her to freedom.

2. Land and Connection to nature: Harriet knew the land, the plants for survival, the stars for guidance, and the animals to be aware of. She did not just survive the humans and dogs chasing her down, she also survived the wilderness with women, children, and elders in tow. She was a natural woman and an herbalist who healed soldiers who were dying of dysentery in Beaufort, SC with herbs she found at the river.

3.Family:Harrietbeganfreeingpeoplebyfirst,attemptingtofreeherfamily. Alltheothersshefreedwereabyproductofherwantingtoshareher freedomwithherfamily.ShewastheultimateMatriarch,althoughshenever gavebirth,shefreedhermother,herfather,andherbrothersandcousins.

4.Liberation:Harrietrealizedthatliberationshouldbeforeveryone,and althoughshestartedherjourneystofreeherfamily,shebegantoseethe biggerpictureandsoughtfreedomforallenslavedpeople.Shewasawarrior forLiberation.

5.CommunityService:HarrietservedasaNurse,aSpyfortheUnion,a Generalleadingraidstofreetheenslaved,anduntilheroldageshehada homeforthesickanddisplaced.ShewasaniconinCommunityService. Ourgoalsforthefutureincludeaparade,officiatingaHarrietTubmanDayinthe county,officiatingthefirstfederalholidayforawomanintheUS,buildingagazebo attheCombaheeRiverSitewheretocommunitycancomeandenjoythesacred space,andcreatingaprivatetradeschoolforK-8basedonthe5PillarsofHarriet Tubman.

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