SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) – The 37th annual Savannah Black Heritage Festival officially opened with a ceremony at the African American Monument along the river.

This year’s theme is “The Tapestry of Us,” celebrating the past, present, and future of the Black community in Savannah.

Master storyteller Lillian Grant-Baptiste led the opening ceremony. She spoke of the lives and legacy of the first Africans who came to Savannah and sold into slavery. With each story, she poured out water as a symbol of remembrance.

Free events will be held throughout February. Festival co-coordinator Amanda Hollowell said the festival offers education, culture, and community.

“I think this is probably the best classroom you can have outside of a classroom, it’s almost twenty eight days of free events that range from different locations over the city and different types of art, music and literature, dance even,” Hollowell said. “I think what it does more than anything is bring our community back together.”

The opening ceremony was originally scheduled for last Sunday but was rescheduled due to weather. The festival is presented by Savannah State University in collaboration with the city.

Grant-Baptiste will close out the festival February 28. The full list of events can be found on the festival’s website.

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