A Historic Day in Port Wentworth History

By, Natalie Leggette

The 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.

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 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.