Soul and Flavor Weekend celebrates Black culture in Savannah

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Discover Black Savannah’s two-day “Soul and Flavor Weekend” concluded on Saturday night at Eastern Wharf.

The 3rd Annual Soul & Flavor Food Truck Fest brought together more than 70 Black-owned vendors and more than 5,000 visitors to celebrate the food, craftsmanship, and music of the local African American community.

“What started as a food festival has grown into a destination weekend,” Katina Wheeler, Co-Founder & CEO of Discover Black Savannah, said. “We want people to eat, run, connect, learn, support local businesses, and experience Savannah through the culture and community that help make this city special.”

From lemonade and baked goods to paintings and clothing, organizers said the festival offers something for everyone.

“Just coming out, you know, we want to see everybody have a good time at the soul food festival today. It’s a lot of culture, a lot of food out here, a lot of opportunity to meet new people and see a lot of different things in the city. It’s a lot of like small vendors and stuff like that, a lot of local Black businesses, and it’s just about bringing out different people in the Savannah community,” said Howard Smith, festival volunteer.

The free event also featured live entertainment and family activities.

“This weekend represents what we believe cultural tourism can look like when community, culture and economic opportunity are intentionally connected,” said Wheeler.

The Tourism in the Black: Culture & Currency Summit took place Friday, September 4, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at Enmarket Arena’s Pittman Lounge.

The inaugural Summit reached capacity with tourism leaders, entrepreneurs, cultural organizations, creators, and community stakeholders gathering together for conversations on cultural tourism, entrepreneurship, innovation, funding, the creator economy and economic opportunity.

The Soul Run 5k was on Saturday morning.