Port Wentworth celebrates Juneteenth, rain or shine

PORT WENTWORTH, Ga. (WTOC) -Despite an uncooperative forecast Friday, Port Wentworth moved forward with its Juneteenth celebration, drawing families behind City Hall for an event organizers described as equal parts fun and remembrance.

The city’s fourth annual Juneteenth Celebration featured food, music, vendors and historical storytelling, with organizers emphasizing the event was open to everyone.

“We’re here to celebrate and enjoy this beautiful, beautiful day,” attendee Nigeria Harden said.

Moncello Stewart, president of the Savannah Black Chamber of Commerce, said the celebration is meant to bring the broader community together.

“You don’t have to be in a Black community, you don’t have to be in any community — you can be in every community to come out here to support this event,” Stewart said.

City leaders and organizers said the celebration has continued to grow, with more partners, vendors and performers taking part this year.

“It’s honestly amazing,” said Trisha Crump, assistant director in the city’s recreation department. “We do this — a lot of hard work and planning — for the residents to have a good event.”

Beyond the block-party atmosphere, organizers said Juneteenth is also an opportunity to reflect on history and what the holiday represents.

“Juneteenth itself means a lot to the community because of how late … information … about our freedom,” Stewart said. “So the day recognizes the opportunity for us to really have a jubilee — to really celebrate the opportunities for us to be free.”

During the celebration, the city presented the Frances Bright Johnson Humanitarian Award to state Sen. Derek Mallow.

The event was emceed by Pat Gunn. Entertainment included performances by Kwanzaa 365, Kimberly Gunn, Dadd’s Productions corporate band with Tamekha, and The Mary Davis Experience.