“Focusing on the Future; Acknowledging Echoes from the Past” is the central theme of the 2017 Savannah Black Heritage Festival scheduled for February 1 - 26, 2017.

Each year the festival, which is sponsored by Savannah State University and the City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs, presents activities for every age and interest. Cultural education and exposure to the performing and visual arts, as well as ethnic cuisine, crafts, fun and family are emphasized throughout the celebration.

Music, dance, local youth talent showcases, historic tours, visual art exhibitions, the lectures, spoken word and dramatic productions are all included on the schedule. In addition, educational opportunities are provided through a health and wellness fair, a health walk, culinary arts activities and youth programs.

Added this year are special African American history walks scheduled for Saturdays, February 4, 18 and 25. Each walk includes visits to areas in East Savannah, Historic Savannah and West Savannah, sequentially, where events significant to contributions made by African Americans to the history and cultural development of Savannah took place.

Opening events for the festival will include the traditional dance performance. The Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble of Denver, Colo., will return as the featured dance group for the 28th annual festival. Admission will be on a first-come, first-seated basis.

For the first time, a special display of the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum traveling exhibition will be at the Beach Institute African American Cultural Center, February 4-8, 2017, and the Earl Shinhoster Youth Leadership Institute will facilitate its fifth annual youth forum, “Continuing the Legacy of Community Leadership.” Also scheduled is the festival’s ninth annual Future of Jazz Concert featuring young instrumentalists and vocalists who are enrolled in music programs. The concert will include the 4th annual tribute to the late Ben Tucker.

Grand Festival Day, a favorite family event packed with activities and entertainment, will be held at the Savannah Civic Center on Saturday, February 11, followed on Sunday, February 12, with the annual gospel concert featuring top-named gospel artists.