Community Corner: Daughters of Mary Magdalene to host annual Juneteenth Festival, Saturday, June 21
It's known as Savannah's original Juneteenth celebration.Later this month, the Daughters of Mary Magdalene will host an unforgettable day of education, community, and culture.Bridget Bryant- Gordon and Dr. Brenda Roberts sat down with WSAV's Kim Gusby to preview the historic celebration.
Click the arrow in the video box above to watch the interview.
Juneteenth is often referred to as Freedom Day– commemorating June 19, 1865, when news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, marking the end of slavery in that state and, ultimately, the nation.In 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, making it a federal holiday.
Decades before this happened, the Daughters of Mary Magdalene were began bringing attention to this historic occassion by hosting its own festival in Savannah.
Juneteenth FestivalSaturday, June 2111:00 A.M.Wells Park (38th Street Park)Free and open to the public!
Performances:
R&B recording artist and former lead singer of the legendary SOS Band, Savannah native, Mary Davis
Renowned gospel artist, founder & Director of the Savannah Community Choir, E. Larry McDuffie & The Men of St. John Baptist Church
The Versatile Band
JD Music
Chatham County Sheriff Richard Coleman will serve as the 2025 keynote speaker and parade Grand Marshal.
Juneteenth greetings will be presented by Chatham County Commissioners Chairman Chester Ellis, Commissioner Adot Whitely, Commissioner Bobby Lockart, and Savannah State University's esteemed Professor Dr. Jermaine Whirl!
The Juneteenth Feast will begin at noon with southern fried chicken, red and yellow rice, African meatballs, mac and cheese, collard greens, fried fish, and more!
For additional information call Marilyn Jackson at 912-412-4851 or Bobby Simpson at 912-428-5169.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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