The Port City Review February Edition #1

B l ac k H i st o ry M onth E d itio n

Port Wentworth's new Chief of Police Po r t W e n t w o r t h' s Fir s t B l a ck Hi s t o r y M o nth F e s t i v a l

Ke rry Thomas

SUMMARY 05. Susi e K i ng t a ylor

Learn about the historical figure Susie King Taylor and read about her connection to Savannah, GA.

08. Spor t s L e ge nd s

Honoring the achievements of African-Americans in sports that defied the odds despite racism to become legendary

12. Thom a s L . Je nni ngs

Read about the first African American man to receive a patent

14. Ta kin g t he Jou r ne y T o g et h er Spice up your relationship with these tips.

16. The we e p i ng t i m e p ro p er ty i s sac r ed g r o u n d The largest slave auction in history

18. C hief K e r r y T hom a s

Marching forward with history in Port Wentworth

20. Port W e nt wor t h L e i su r e

Lots of fun activities for families in the Port Wentworth area

22.Build i ng a b e t t e r Port W en tw o r th Breaking ground at the new recreation center

24.L itlle k nown loca l b l ac k h i sto r y f ac ts Celebrate Savannah's rich Black History

34. Port Ci t y R e v i e w B l a c k h i st o r y m o n th f est i v al A Historic Day in Port Wentworth History

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S u s i e K in g T ay lo r

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usie King Taylor (1848-1912), known as America’s first Black nurse, was born August 6, 1848. Beyond just her aptitude in nursing the wounded of the 1st Carolina Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Taylor was the first black woman to self-publish her memoirs.

She was an author and a nurse, but she was also an educator. She taught formerly enslaved black people in the post Ellis south by opening various schools in Georgia. She was also instrumental in organizing the 67 Corps of the Women’s Relief Corps in 1886.

She was born into slavery on a plantation in Liberty County Georgia. She was a member of the Gullah Peoples of the coastal lowlands of Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida.

At the age of seven, she was brought to live with family in Savannah Georgia. There, she was educated in what was known as an “underground education “. Under Georgia law, it was Illegal for enslaved people to be educated.

A friend of her grandmother, Mrs. Woodhouse, taught Taylor and her brother to read. This lasted for two years, until Taylor received further education from Georgia’s first black nun Mary Beasley, who continued to educate Susie until 1860.

There were several other people that contributed to her education, whites like Katie O’Conner and James Blouis.

Her ability to read and write helped countless people of color, both freed and those still in bondage. During the war between the Confederate and Union Army at Fort Pulaski, Taylor and her family fled to St. Catherine’s Island, and then to St. Simon’s Island.

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S us ie K in g Ta yl o r

(Cont. )

In this "land of the free" we are burned, tortured, and denied a fair trial, murdered for any imaginary wrong conceived in the brain of the Negro-hating white man.

There is no redress for us from a government which promised to protect all unSusie King Taylor was the first woman to openly teach former enslaved people at a school in Georgia and the only African-Ameri-

der its flag.” - Susie King Taylor

can woman to publish a memoir of her work.

At the young age of only 13, Susie founded the first free AfricanAmerican school for children, and became the first African American woman to teach a free school in Georgia. During the day she taught children, and at night she taught adults.

She was married twice, her first husband Edward King, died in an accident while working as a longshoreman. She later married Russell Taylor, who died in 1901.

Susie King Taylor was most likely Savannah’s first black advocate for the rights of black people.

In 2015, the Susie King Taylor Community School was dedicated in Savannah Georgia. In 2018 Taylor was elected to the Georgia Women of Achievement Hall of Fame for her contributions to education, Freedom, and Humanity.

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African American sports legends

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T r u e he r o i s m is re m ark ably so b e r , v e r y u n d ram at ic. It is n o t t he u r ge t o surpass a l l o t he r s a t w h at e ve r cost , bu t t he u r g e t o se rve ot h e rs a t w ha t e v e r c ost .

- Art h ur Ash e

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k o be br y an t (L ) a nd m i ch ae l J o r d an

ports would be where we as African Americans got our big introduction on the national stage and world stage.

Yes, music and entertainment were the first talents displayed, but in sports is where our real presence was recognized. Jackie Robinson was our first black Major League Baseball player in 1947 by the then Brooklyn Dodgers. Then along came Hank Aaron, Barry Bonds, Willie Mays, and Sammy Sosa.

In the NBA, it was Earl Lloyd, on October 31, 1950, Lloyd took the court for the Washington Capitals. He paved the way for Jordan, Jabbar, Russell, Kobe, Lebron, Magic, and all the greats we’ve seen since then, and the ones still to come like Curry, Durant, & Irving.

In the NFL, Kenny Washington was the first black to play in the league, 11 years after the league started.

He paved the way for such greats as Jim Brown, Walter Peyton, Jerry Rice, Warren Moon, Randall Cunningham, and Doug Williams. And they have opened the doors to the amazing African American players that we watch today. But it was Fritz Pollard and Bobby Marshall in 1921 who first broke the NFL color barrier.

Arthur Ashe

Usain Bolt

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Ti ger woods .

The first Black professional golfer was Charlie Sifford in 1946 also, he opened the door for who some consider the greatest golfer of all time Tiger Woods, who is still playing today. Sifford and Teddy Rhodes integrated golf in 1946 and 1948, but it was Tiger Woods who set the grass on fire.

Of these major American sports, we can’t leave out Tennis. Here we have two trailblazers, Robert Bob Ryland, and Althea Gibson, both in the 1940s. But the world will remember Arthur Ashe on the men’s side and Venus and Serena Williams on the ladies side. History is what we do.

Please read up on all these wonderful change agents who helped to tear down barriers to integrate American society.

Track and Field is just too huge a sport to even start to cover with Hussein Bolt and Flo Jo. Boxing with Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali, and George Foreman. I Hope you as a reader can now see the connection sports has had to our inclusion here and around the world?

By: Julius Hall

Doug Williams(L) and Jim brown

Serena (L) and Venus Wi lli ams 10

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T h o m as L . Jen n i ng s, the First A frica n Am eri can t o re ce ive a p a te nt By: Chantaye Mclaughli n

Thomas L. Jennings was the first African-American person to receive a patent in the United States of America. He was a businessman from New York. He was born in 1791 and he was a free man. His invention was “Dry Scouring,”which came years before Dry Cleaning. Jennings wanted to be able to create a way to clean his clothing without the harsh chemicals destroying the fabric. That is how he discovered the technique that became dry scouring. The Patent Act of 1793 stated that an individual must sign an oath stating that they declare to be a Citizen of the United States of America.

Frederick Douglas noted at the time of Jennings death the significance of him being one of the first African Americans to be deemed as a “Citizen of the United States.” This was a rare distinction that was not given to many African Americans.

African Americans were the property of their slave masters and so were their inventions and innovations. There was a large objection to Jennings holding a patent because of this distinction in the law. The loophole that allowed for him to apply for the patent in 1821 was that along many, Thomas L. Jennings was a free man. The law stated that the slave master owned the fruits of his labor to include the inventions of his slaves. Due to Jennings, being a free man, he was able to apply for a patent and get approved.

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This decision led to Congress, years later, extending the right to hold a patent to both slaves and freedmen who were African American. Jennings paved the way for so many. In the picture above, you can see how important the utilization of a warehouse space was to his invention. Jennings utilized the profits from his invention to purchase his entire family’s freedom. He also donated a significant amount of his fortune to various abolitionist movements and causes. Thomas L. Jennings became the Founder and Trustee of Abyssinian Baptist Church in New York along with becoming the Assistant Secretary for the First Annual Convention of the People of Color in 1831.

Frederick Douglas noted at the time of Jennings death the significance of him being one of the first African Americans to be deemed as a “Citizen of the United States.” This was a rare distinction that was not given to many African Americans. African Americans were the property of their slave masters and so were their inventions and innovations. There was a large objection to Jennings holding a patent because of this distinction in the law. The loophole that allowed for him to apply for the patent in 1821 was that along many, Thomas L. Jennings was a free man. The law stated that the slave master owned the fruits of his labor to include the inventions of his slaves. Due to Jennings, being a free man, he was able to apply for a patent and get approved.

This decision led to Congress, years later, extending the right to hold a patent to both slaves and freedmen who were African American.Jennings paved the way for so many. In the picture above, you can see how important the utilization of a warehouse space was to his invention. Jennings utilized the profits from his invention to purchase his entire family’s freedom. He also donated a significant amount of his fortune to various abolitionist movements and causes. Thomas L. Jennings became the Founder and Trustee of Abyssinian Baptist Church in New York along with becoming the Assistant Secretary for the First Annual Convention of the People of Color in 1831. In 1855, he raised awareness and challenged discriminatory practices, funded and organized legal defenses for court documents through the Legal Rights Association that he assisted in organizing.

This has been your BlackHistory Month fact. Imagine a world with no warehouses to be able to impact the freedom of African Americans.

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Get out of your box

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Do you see the pattern?

It requires togetherness, As human beings, this eople are going to rea sharing of time and is where we bring focus late...but what happens space in a way that creto our environment to when the relating gets uplift and strengthen our ates connection between stale? Often times that relationship. The environ- you and your partner. Anis when the complaining cient wisdom describes ment includes all that begins. surrounds you: the forest, human beings as having You complain to your five layers of experithe ocean, the animals, friends, your partner, stran- people your mate, the ence: the environment, gers if they start the conthe physical body, the room you’re in, just to versation, anyone who will mention a few. To get out mind, the intuition and listen. of our box, we expand our our self/spirit, which we And if you are in a survivcall the soul. If compasenvironment. This haping relationship, that is as pens by doing something sion and care are kindled far as a solution goes. On different. Explore each within ourselves, they the other hand, should you other’s hobbies together, will form the basis for find yourself in a thriving take walks together, play a deeper connection to, or healthy relationship, and care for both, othgames together, go on you and your partner step dates together. ers and the environment. outside the box and add a February is the month little spice. we go above and beyond to do something special A thriving healthy relation- T h ank you i n advance and different for our lovship is when we respond ers. Thought: do someto the spirit of love and T ak ing The Journey Together thing special for your carry it forward through friend the other months Sh aron & Crai g Butts-Host the practice of compasand keep the spice in sion, nurturing, listening, your relationship. collaboration, etc.

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The Weeping Time Property is Sacred Ground

BUT L ER PL ANT AT ION DE SCE N DANT & DE SCE N DANT o f SLA V ES wit h P as t or S mall and P as t or Gordon of t h e W eep ing T im e Coa l iti on

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by: Natali e Legette

ne day when I picked my son up from school, he told me what he learned in class that day. On this day, he shared that they learned about Ellis island. He shared that around forty percent of the American population can trace their family line back to Ellis island.

Ellis island is a historical site located at the mouth of the Hudson river between New York and new jersey. Ellis island provides some American families with important details of their own family history. This opportunity to trace and reverence family lineage is a privilege available to certain Americans. It is also believed that over a million black Americans can trace their family line to the largest sale of enslaved Africans in united states history. The tragic event is known as the "The Weeping Time".

The rain poured down on March 2nd and M arch 3rd until the final enslaved person was sold. 429 enslaved Africans were sold in two days. The sadness and despair of this day way documented by northern newspapers and its size fueled the fire of discourse between those for and against slavery. A reporter for the New York tribune, who published under his pen name, Q. K. Philander Doesticks, traveled to Savannah to cover the event. He infiltrated the buyers and posed as a buyer himself. He recorded what he witnessed and described the emotional toll upon the enslaved people. Of the 429 enslaved Africans sold, thirty were babies. The sale garnered $303,850.16. Impacting the lives of over 900 enslaved Africans, the weeping time sale cut the Butler Plantation slave population in half.

The cost of the sale continues to impact generations of black families to this very day. It is believed that over a million black Americans can trace their history to the weeping time event.

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In 2008, the city of Savannah and the Georgia Historical Society placed a marker near the site of the sale. Over the years parcels of the Ten Broeck race course were sold as well as divided by highway 516. A small portion of land remains and has sparked a battle between concerned citizens and the Savannah city government. In 2020, The Salvation Army submitted a request for a special use permit to purchase and build a homeless shelter and transitional housing on the remaining parcel of land.

IMAGE of WEEPING TIME Book: Credit: Anne C Bailey

Protests ensued and demands for the city of Savannah to submit the property for review by the Georgia Historical Society before selling the land were formally submitted in writing. The Mayor stated that a study was conducted and approved however, a deeper investigation revealed that the report was not submitted for review by the Georgia Historically society. The debate of whether this property was in fact the location of The Weeping Time sale and holds enough historical significance to be preserved and dedicated as a historical landmark continues in litigation today. As this debate rages on, the city of Darien, Georgia formally announced in 2021, the preservation of the Butler Plantation. The descendants of the Butler Plantation and the descendants of former slaves came together to recognize the historic importance of their history with a vow to learn from its hard truths and heal together.

Today the question of preserving the sacred ground, where 429 enslaved people were ripped apart from their families remains unanswered. Many organizations seek to preserve this history. The Weeping Time Coalition has brought the issue to the courts with support from people around the world. Numerous events remembering the Weeping Time are scheduled to take place throughout the Coastal Empire during the first week of March. It is difficult to explain to our children, how a location that serves as a point of connection, where generations of Black Americans can trace their family lineage, is not revered and preserved with a similar honor as that of Ellis Island. Discounting the historical significance of this sacred ground devalues and discounts the importance of Black Americans tracing their family lineage. Exacerbating a void in ancestral connections. Equity is still possible. The Weeping Time Property is Sacred Ground.

References: Unearthing the Weeping Time: Savannah's Ten Broeck Race Course and 1859 Slave Sale Kwesi DeGraft-Hanson Emory University Published February 18, 2010

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Marching Forward With History in Port Wentworth By: Juli us Ha ll

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reas of Port Wentworth have been a part of American history for 200 years regarding religion, African genius, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. History continues today. Kerry Thomas has been named the new Chief of the Port Wentworth Police Department.

Chief Thomas native of Chatham County and is the first African American to hold that position.

Many remember him as a public servant and leader with the Savannah Police Department for decades. There he served as Assistant Chief of Police. Later he became the Chief of Police with the Chamblee Police Department.

Thomas has ties to the community as a resident of Port Wentworth and some with pride and fond fond remembrance remarked “he was a Marching Warrior (in the Herschel V. Jenkins High School Band)… riding with me to games to perform”.

Today, Port Wentworth is marching into history with this appointment.

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Ch ief of po lice Kerry Tho mas(M). Rennie Walt er s S S U p olic e C h ief (L), Cit y m anag er S t ev e D av is (R)

The historical moment doesn’t stop with Chief Thomas it continues with the historical appointment of the Deputy Chief of Police. Deputy Chief Rennie Walters is the first African American to serve in that position. He is an alumnus of Savannah State University. Walters will help to make up a dynamic team of law enforcement leadership in Chatham County.

chi ef kerry t homa s a nd his wif e mrs. thomas

Port Wentworth continues to march forward in history.

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Lots of Family Fun in the Port City

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By: Natali e Legg e tte

s Port Wentworth, Georgia continues to grow, the city’s Recreation and Leisure Services hosts a variety of activities and events throughout the year, for the entire family. Basketball season ends at the end of February and March is the start of Soccer, Baseball, Softball, and T-Ball. Registration ends March 1st, so be sure to sign the kids up today! You can register your child on the City of Port Wentworth’s website at, www.cityofportwentworth.com, and click on Soccer or Baseball/softball/ t-ball registration and it will take you directly to their payment portal.

The fee for registration is $35.00 for residents of Port Wentworth, nonresidents pay $65.00

In addition to the team sports opportunities for youth, Port Wentworth will host Skate Night on March 10th, in the P. B. Edwards Jr. Gym on Turnberry Street, from 6 pm to 9 pm. Skate Night is a fun opportunity for the whole family and Port Wentworth hosts Skate Night in May, June, July, September, October, and 20

Mark your calendar and save the date, the Lewis and Clark Carnival is coming to Port Wentworth, March 31st – April 2, 2023. Fun and games for all ages the Carnival is certain to joy and laughter to all in attendance, Port Wentworth’s Leisure services have not left out grandma and grandpa in their offerings. Seniors can participate in a plethora of activities at the Senior center. Tai Chi, Bingo, and Zumba are just a few activities that keep our seniors active and healthy. The Senior Center provides lunch as well as informational talks on a variety of subjects.

Honoring the brave men and women who serve our country, Port Wentworth’s Stand Up For America Festival is getting ready to celebrate 50 years! Community organizations and local businesses are encouraged to participate in the parade and the planned event activities throughout the day on Saturday, April 29th. There is no cost for Parade Entry, so be sure to complete your entry form today. For more information about the 50th Stand Up For America Day Parade and Festival please call the City of Port Wentworth Leisure Services office at 912-966-7428.

Volunteers are welcome and in high demand!

If you or someone you know would be interested in volunteering to coach a team, please call the Leisure Services Department at 912-966-7423.

Al l IM A GE S Pho t o C r ed it: City o f P o r t W en tw or t h

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B u il ding A Be tt er P or t W ent w or t h By: Juli us Hall

Port Wentworth is Changing. Positive and Smart Growth has finally come to a city that has lagged behind six of the eight cities in Chatham County.

Port Wentworth is without a lot of the amenities a city of it’s size should have. But with the change in leadership that occurred in the last election, the city is in position to be one of Georgia’s shining cities. City Manager Steve Davis and the competent staff he has assembled, is steering this ship safely into Harbor. With a majority Council that sees growth instead of contentment as the path forward, this city is primed and ready for better days ahead.

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Forward and Positive thinking is what has brought the city a new Police Chief, new businesses moving here, events to celebrate everyone’s culture, and a major recreation development being built . Major development to the downtown area should be looked at next. Old buildings should be renovated and made into new businesses. The boating docks should also be developed so that all citizens of Port Wentworth can enjoy the location.

Yes, Port Wentworth is Changing. Great things are coming to the city.

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little known local black history facts

By: Dr. Ami r Toure '

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A f r i c a n D a n c e r s a nd Drummers Phot o credi t : Ja y Bogus

A Historic Day in Port Wentworth History By, Natali e Legge tte

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he cool crisp air did not discourage the participants, vendors, or performers at Port Wentworth’s first annual Black History Month Festival. Port Wentworth’s City Councilman, Rufus Bright led the charge for this historic day along with City staff member, Ms. Terresa Lake. Though cooler temperatures welcomed the vendors and staff at the start of the day, the sun shined brightly on the overdue event. Savannah State University Professor and award-winning historian, Dr. Amir Jamal Touré, served as the emcee for the day. Dr. Touré welcomed the crowd and provided a wealth of facts about black history in Port Wentworth, Georgia.

A host of Public Servants came out to support the event. Representatives from Savannah. Garden City and Chatham County joined Port Wentworth’s City Council Members, City Manager, newly appointed Police Chief, City Staff, and Workers in celebration of the day.

Georgia Southern student, Ms. Javanna Rogers, sang the Black National Anthem, igniting a day filled with smiles and joy. The squeals and laughter of children jumping in the Bounce'z Unlimited bouncy houses provided a consistent soundtrack that set the tone of the day. Kids asked the police officers to turn on their sirens and Promised Land Farm’s truck would respond to the sirens with its ol’ time squawk of a horn, bringing smiles to both young and old.

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The crowd was entertained with family-friendly tunes provided by K Wilder Music. Katie DeSilva got the crowd’s blood flowing with Zumba. The audience was serenaded with music from an amazing saxophonist. And folks rocked to the beat of the Kwanzaa 365 African drum team who took the stage while their Dancers performed and encouraged the audience to come and join them.

Attendees had the opportunity to patronize local, Black-owned businesses.

Vendors, This and That, Takeita Tollman’s Boutique, the Love to Love Organization, and CKB Sparkles & Shine Jewels all offered unique gifts and products.

Up-and-coming author, six-year-old, Ms. Hailey Tollman, stole hearts while promoting and signing copies of her first published book, No, Hailey. Don’t Hit the Easter Bunny! Three vendors were there with the sole mission of providing information to the Port Wentworth community, The Weeping Time Coalition, Diann Scott with Scott Realty, and Anthony Murray Financial Literacy each provided a 35 wealth of information in their respective areas.

Tickets were given out throughout the entire day to anyone who wanted a free haircut, courtesy of Christ Made A Way Barbershop, located directly behind City Hall. Tummies were not excluded from the festivities with Turkey Drumsticks and Sausage dogs from Walt & Russ Grillers, Lady Hill’s Sweetz Boutique was creating quite a stir with their red velvet cake, Kool Vibes Pizza & Wings showed their support, and there was plenty of popcorn and cotton candy for the young and young at heart.

Gregory Smiley, III captured the historic day with his photography and videography. The crowd was buzzing with talk about future festivals and the excitement of the city’s embracing and recognizing Black History Month exuded through the smiles and connections made at this year’s festival. The City of Port Wentworth thanked the sponsors of the 1st Annual Black History Month Festival, Port Wentworth Food Lion, Clear Water Solutions, Hardeeville Church of Christ, and ATR Consulting.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor and/or a vendor in next year’s Black History Month Festival please contact the City of Port Wentworth at tlake@cityofportwentworth.com. Port Wentworth, growing stronger together.

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February - 2023

BLack History Month Edition