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erald avannah H S Promoting Savannah’s African-American Community News
P.O. Box 486 • Sav.,GA 31402
NEWSPAPER, LLC®
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Vol. 2 No. 18
Savannah Black Heritage Festival Brings Artistic Performances
The 29th annual Savannah Black Heritage Festival (SBHF) will present numerous performing arts events. The 2018 SBHF theme “Celebrating the Dynamics of Cultures and Shared Experiences” will be observed February 1-18, 2018. Opening the 29th festival is a performance from the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC). The premiere evening performance will be held Friday, February 2, 7:30 p.m., Johnny Mercer Theater. This performance is free and open to the public, and admission tickets will not be required. Seating will be on a first-come, first-seated basis. There will be a limited reserved-seat section for military families and seniors; however, these seats will be released 10 minutes prior to curtain call. Debbie Blunden-Diggs, artistic director of the DCDC, will hold a public conversation February 1, 6:30 p.m., Jordan Bldg., Torian Auditorium, SSU campus. Additionally, DCDC will hold a community dance workshop and master class February 3, 9 a.m. Call 912-358-4309 for reservations. The Savannah State University (SSU) voice program, together with students from Beach, Johnson, Groves, Jenkins and Savannah high schools, will
perform “Music by Black Composers,” February 4, 3 p.m., Butler Presbyterian Church, 603 W. Victory Dr. Bright Star Theatre will present Freedom Songs: The Music of Black History, February 5, 6:30 p.m., Litway Baptist Church, 2335 Thunderbolt Rd., and February 6, 5 p.m., Tatumville Neighborhood Center, 333 Coleman St. Bright Star will also perform a number of closed shows in schools throughout the festival. The annual gospel concert will feature a BET Sunday Best winner, with opening performances by the SSU Wesleyan Gospel Choir, the Georgia Southern Anointed Voices, Armstrong Campus, and the Savannah Mass Choir of the Georgia Music Workshop of America. It will be held February 11, 5:30 p.m., Overcoming by Faith Ministries, 9700 Middleground Rd. The annual Future of Jazz Concert and Tribute to the late Ben Tucker will be held February 13, 7 p.m., Jewish Educational Alliance, 5111 Abercorn St., and will feature local and regional young jazz vocalists and instrumentalists. The public can learn more about Tucker at a screening for the documentary In Tune: The Ben Tucker See Festival - Page 2A
SBHF Grand Festival Day - Feb. 10
the Dynamics of Cultures and Shared Experiences” will be observed February 1-18, 2018. This year, a $5, all-day admission bracelet will be required for all attendees age 16 or older. All GFD events will be held at the Savannah Civic Center, 301 Oglethorpe Ave. The day kicks off with a health walk at 8:30 a.m., followed by a health fair with screening, demonstrations and more, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The annual youth health exercise program with fun and rhythmic activity at 11 a.m. WellCare of Georgia will host a fitness expo at 12:30 p.m. Register for the health walk by calling 912652-7981. Children will have the chance to enjoy performances from Magic Marc and Savannah Youth Entertainment Showcase (Y.E.S.) and engage in improvisational workshops, meet local authors and create handmade crafts in the afternoon. Reservations are required for each craft session. Call 912-358-3370. The ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:30 p.m. will La’Porsha Renae The 29th annual Savannah Black Heritage Festival launch performances from local artists including young (SBHF) will hold Grand Festival Day (GFD) on Satur- authors from DEEP, the Line Dancing Seniors and othday, February 10. The 2018 SBHF theme “Celebrating ers. See Grand Festival Day - Page 2A
Alabama Civil Rights Attorney Fred Gray to address MLK Freedom Gala Fred Gray, Esq., the attorney who represented Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Rosa Parks during the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and who also represented victims in the infamous Tuskegee Syphilis Study in 1972, will be the keynote speaker for the MLK, Jr., Observance Day Association’s annual MLK Freedom Gala. The black-tie event will be held on Saturday, March 31, 2018, at the
Hyatt Regency Savannah beginning with a cocktail hour at 6 pm and dinner and program at 7pm. The evening will be capped with music and dancing. Tickets are $75. Attorney Gray’s legal career spans more than 60 years. Out of law school less than a year, Gray began a dynamic civil rights career in 1954. His first civil rights case was representation of Claudette
Alpha Kappa Alpha Tri-Chapter
Founders’ Day Observance
Gamma Sigma Omega chapter celebrating 110 years of service at the Tri-Chapter Founders’ Day Observance. January 20, 2018.
Six chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated from Georgia and South Carolina met at the Hampton Hall Clubhouse in Bluffton, SC to celebrate 110 years of service and sisterhood. Hosted by Nu Delta Omega (Beaufort, SC) and Upsilon Delta (University of South Carolina Beaufort) chapters,
Gamma Sigma Omega (Savannah), Gamma Upsilon (Savannah State University), Sigma Tau (Georgia Southern University Armstrong) and Nu Rho Omega (Hinesville) chapters met for their 11th celebration of the biennial Tri-Chapter Founders’ Day Observance. The guest speaker was Mrs. Sharon Brown Harriott,
South Atlantic Regional Director of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, who emphasized the importance sisterhood and service. “Alpha Kappa Alpha is as strong as its ardent workers. Working with patience and bringing meaningful dialogue to our service, our sisterhood is a blessing. We must count
on one another standing together at all cost. Excellence without excuses.” During this celebration the Graduate chapters presented their service awards. Gamma Sigma Omega chapter recognized four of its members for their outstanding service and sisterhood: See AKA - Page 2A
Colvin, a 15-year-old African American high school student who refused to give up her seat on a city bus in Montgomery, AL, in March 1955. In December 1955 he represented Rosa Parks who was arrested because she refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white man, igniting the Montgomery Bus Boycott. He was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s first civil rights attorney.
Attorney Fred Gray See Gray - Page 2A
Retirement Celebration For Lady Jackie B. Small
On Sunday, January 21 at 5 pm Lady Jackie B. Small celebrated her Retirement Celebration, after working “30” years for Greenbriar Children’s Center. There were well-wishers far and near who was in attendance and the out pouring of LOVE was in the house. Special Thanks To: Loman Creative Services (pictures and video) Heavenly Kreations (decorations), Sylathia Sanders (corsage & boutonniere) and Carey Hilliard’s Banquet Team. Then on Sunday, January 28 Lady Small had a SPECIAL Celebration for New Salem KINGS K.I.D.’S. They joined her for Dinner over in the Jubilee Auditorium. This affair was hosted by her family. The caterer for this occasion was her sister Debra Boston. Love and Appreciation is extended to ALL from Bishop Nathaniel Small, Sr. and Lady Jackie B. Small for making the Retirement Celebration a memorable one.