32nd Annual Savannah Black Heritage Festival Opens Feb. 5
Thursday, February 4th, 2021
For the first time in its history, the annual Savannah Black Heritage Festival (SBHF) will be virtual. The theme for the three-week event scheduled for Feb. 5 - 21 is “Reflect, Reform, Rejoice.” The festival aims to expose attendees to the contributions of African Americans in the development of American history and culture through presentations of dance, music, theater, the literary and visual arts, lectures and more. Major live stream performances will include:
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Sons of Mystro: Saturday, Feb. 6., 7 p.m.
Young classically trained violinists use their instruments to interpret reggae, classics, American pop songs and their own creations accompanied by a DJ and guitarist. This performance is funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Georgia Council for the Arts. Presented in part by International Paper Company, Georgia Power, and Carver State Bank. -
Demetrius West: Sunday, Feb. 7, 7 p.m.
A gospel concert with opening performances by members of the Anointed Voices, Georgia Southern University Armstrong Campus gospel choirs. -
India Shawn and Koryn Hawthorne: Saturday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m.
Los Angeles born singer and songwriter, India Shawn, has been in the music industry for more than 10 years working with artists such as Chris Brown, Diddy-Dirty Money, El Debarge, Keri Hilson, and Monica. Koryn Hawthorne is an American contemporary Christian music and gospel singer blending pop, hip-hop and R&B styles. Hawthorne was a finalist on season 8 of NBC's singing competition The Voice, as a member of Pharrell Williams's team.
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Hiplet Ballerinas: Sunday, Feb. 21, 7 p.m.
The Hiplet Ballerinas are a performance group based out of the Chicago Multi-Cultural Dance Center. Specifically designed to make ballet accessible by all, Hiplet™ is a fusion between classical pointe technique, Hip-Hop, and a variety of other urban dance styles. The Hiplet Ballerinas have received recognition worldwide, with appearances in Germany, France, Spain, South Korea and Hong Kong. Presented in part by International Paper Company, Georgia Power and Carver State Bank.
The festival’s main events will be broadcast on WSAV-TV and available to watch live on the SBHF YouTube Channel. Presented by Savannah State University (SSU) with investment by the city of Savannah, the 2021 festival will be the 22nd produced by SSU and the 32nd presented by the city of Savannah. All events are free and open to the public. For more information and a complete schedule of events and activities, call 912-358-4309 or visit www.savannahblackheritagefestival.org.


