Savannah Black History, Savannah Culture

Cultural roots in Savannah run deep.  No matter what your ancestry lineage, there are always things to see and do in Savannah which will bring you closer to both your own history, and the history of others.  And Savannah Culture would be incomplete without commemorating our Black History.

The month of February, 2012 is Black History Month in the United States, and Savannah is rich with Black history, tradition, and life today.

There is so much to see and do to commemorate this rich heritage, that it is impossible to list them all.  However, a few selections are listed below.  Ask your Savannah B&B inkeeper for additional information and ideas.

Locations of interest include:
The Savannah Beach Institute at 502 East Harris Street was established in 1867 by the American Missionary Association to educate newly-freed slaves.  The building is now home to the African-American Cultural Center with art displays, programs, and exhibits for the public.

The First African Baptist Church at 23 Montgomery Street is the oldest Black church in the U.S., and was a stop on the Underground Railroad.  Many features of the church interior are original to the building, including the Nine Patch Quilt on the ceiling, denoting the building as a Safe House for slaves.  More Underground Railroad and Church hisotry can be discovered at the church museum.
The Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum at 460 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. follows the civil rights struggle in Savannah from slavery to the present.

The Haitian Monument, on Mongtomery Street near West Julian Street, reminds us that not all of the Black History in Savannah stems from Africa.  The Monument commemorates the 750 Haitian freemen who fought with the Colonial troops against the British in the Siege of Savannah on Oct. 9, 1779.

You can visit these locations and more on your own, or you can take a guided tour with Day Clean Soul, Savannah Visitors Center, Mikkis Tours by Taste, Georgia Tours, or any of several other tour hosts in the city.

Activities include:
February 1-16, 2012:  The Savannah Black Heritage Festival is currently in the planning stages and should have their schedule listed soon!  The theme this year is Journeys, Passages, and Transitions.

February 11, 2012:  The Savannah Black Heritage Festival Grand Festival Day.  This is a day for the entire family at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Arena in the Savannah Civic Center.  There will be activities for youth, food and retail vendors, and performances by nationally-known recording artists.  Actual schedule is yet to be published.

Soul Food:
Savannah is known for its great restraunts, and we have our fair share of soul-food-serving eateries.  The Wilkes House, Alligator Soul, Nevaea Soul Food, and the Garden of Eden are just a few of the great eateries specializing in great southern classics that will make you loosen your belt!

Come celebrate Black History Month in Savannah!  Our amazing Savannah Bed and Breakfast inns will gladly provide you with an unforgettable lodging experience as you explore the rich history of African-Americans and Hatians in Savannah!