The Bulloch County NAACP teamed up with the Willow Hill Heritage & Renaissance Center this year to create a Juneteenth extravaganza. Held at Willow Hill, which is located at 4235 Willow Hill Road in Portal, the program began at 6:00 PM. This commemoration created a safe space to honor Black freedom, culture, and excellence. The event drew a significant crowd, necessitating extra chairs to accommodate all attendees.
The historical significance of Willow Hill provided an appropriate backdrop for the event. The Willow Hill Heritage & Renaissance Center, founded in 1874 by formerly enslaved individuals who deeply valued education, stands as a testament to the resilience and foresight of its founders, having the distinction of being one of the first schools for African Americans in Bulloch County. This institution is a rich repository of local Black history, boasting over 10,000 obituaries and oral recordings dating back to the 1880s.
The evening's program, expertly guided by Mistress of Ceremonies Eden Chavers, commenced with a welcome by Dr. Alvin Jackson, followed by a Layla Scarboro speaking on the purpose of Juneteenth. Attendees were invited to reflect on June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, when Union General Gordon Granger issued Order Number 3, finally bringing news of freedom to the last enslaved people, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This powerful exercise underscored the delayed, but ultimately realized, promise of liberty thanks to activists like Dr. Opal Lee who walked 2.5 miles every year on June 19th to bring awareness to the two and a half years it took for Galveston to heed Lincoln's executive order.
Yvette McCall, President of the NAACP, Bulloch County Chapter, emphasized Juneteenth not only as a celebration but as a commemoration to honor enslaved ancestors as the doctors, lawyers, visionaries, and business owners they were. She also delivered an important message about waning voter participation among African Americans in Bulloch County and implored the audience to not let the hard work of ancestors be in vain.
"We're concerned that 36% of registered voters decided to sit home; we're concerned that less than 20% of black voters in Bulloch County vote," McCall said.
Rev. Giovanni Shumake delivered a heartfelt prayer, followed by Trinity Hughes, who enriched the celebration with a soulful rendition of Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror." AJ Staten introduced the evening's guest speaker, middle school teacher Brantley Simmons, who presented his keynote address, "Digital Roses Don't Die." Simmons, a direct descendant of Georgiana Riggs (the first teacher at Willow Hill), explored bridging generational divides in sharing history. He emphasized how technology can connect generations to their heritage and urged building "bridges" through dialogue to ensure traditions meet innovation.
Following the keynote, Erin Thompson provided a motivational dance. The program also included essential information on tour guidelines by Dr. N. Jackson-Flowers, and closing remarks by Yevette McCall. The event concluded with a special recognition of elders and pioneers, including Ms. Clavelia Brinson, one of the first students to integrate Georgia Southern University in 1965. Following the structured program, guests were invited on an informational tour through the halls of Willow Hill, while others enjoyed the outside festivities which included a DJ, food, bounce houses and fellowship.
The Juneteenth commemoration at Willow Hill Heritage & Renaissance Center was a powerful blend of history, community, and forward-looking determination, serving as a reminder that the pursuit of freedom is ongoing, sustained by shared stories, active participation, and the wisdom passed between generations.
