SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) – The 7th Annual Weeping Time Festival took place today at Waterworks Plaza, drawing residents and visitors together for a day of remembrance, reflection, and celebration of community.
The festival is named in recognition of the Weeping Time, the largest sale of enslaved people in United States history, which took place in Savannah in 1859.
That traumatic event, in which hundreds of men, women, and children were sold over the course of two days, has become a powerful symbol of the city’s painful past and the resilience of those who endured it.
Over the years, the Weeping Time Festival has grown into a cherished neighborhood tradition.
Rooted in the folklore of “Weeping Tom” — a character who represents the spirit of togetherness and storytelling — the festival blends solemn commemoration with cultural celebration.
This year’s event featured live demonstrations, music, food trucks, and dancing, transforming Waterworks Plaza into a lively gathering space that showcased local talent while honoring the community’s history.
Families, elders, and young people came together to share food, stories, and performances that highlighted both the struggles and the strength of Savannah’s Black communities.
Festival emcee Amir Jamal Toure said the event is about connecting the past to the present and using that history to build unity.
“The Weeping Times — the story that goes back to 1859, but dealing with the present right now,” Toure said. “So we are basically bringing people together to not [only] know the history, but to also celebrate life and never forget it. We have elected officials here, we have other people that we’re honoring also. People doing work in the community who have embraced understanding about unity, because that’s what we believe in — we are stronger when we are together.”
In addition to the performances and activities, organizers emphasized the importance of education and remembrance. Attendees were encouraged to learn more about the history of the Weeping Time and its lasting impact on Savannah and the nation.
To learn more about the Weeping Time, visitors can explore the Savannah historical marker on Augusta Avenue, which provides additional context and information about the 1859 slave sale and the lives it forever changed.
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