Savannah Housing Authority to Honor Living Legends and Rising Youth Leaders at Black History Program

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Housing Authority of Savannah will host a Black History program Thursday evening honoring community trailblazers and rising youth leaders.

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. at HAS Building B, 1407 Wheaton Street. It is free and open to the public.

This year’s program brings generations together. Twenty-one youth and eight seniors will take part through storytelling and recognition. Students will have short speaking roles and join the finale, while seniors will be honored for their impact on Savannah.

Several Living Legends will be recognized, including former Mayor Edna Branch Jackson; Sheriff Richard “Ricky” Coleman; Chief Judge Tammy Stokes; former Mayor Otis Johnson; civil engineer Estella Shabazz; and 101-year-old Colonel John A. White, Georgia’s first sworn African American police officer and a Congressional Gold Medal recipient.

Executive Director Evette Hester said the goal is to ensure young people see themselves reflected in leadership and legacy.

The program will also recognize the first class of IGNITE Scholars for academic achievement and leadership.

Organizers say the event reflects the Housing Authority’s mission to support education, economic mobility and community empowerment.

The community is encouraged to attend.