A Moment in Time: The Original Gullah Festival’s First Retreat in Savannah, Ga.

We started with the past.

One of the most powerful moments came when we were reminded of how the Original Gullah Festival began. It wasn’t just about food, music, or fun though there’s plenty of that. It was about preserving a culture that has long been underrepresented, undervalued, and overlooked. The stories shared at the retreat of the ancestors, of the early days and of the festival, brought out both laughter and reflection. It set the tone: this work is spiritual.

We started with the past.

One of the most powerful moments came when we were reminded of how the Original Gullah Festival began. It wasn’t just about food, music, or fun though there’s plenty of that. It was about preserving a culture that has long been underrepresented, undervalued, and overlooked. The stories shared at the retreat of the ancestors, of the early days of the festival brought out both laughter and reflection. It set the tone: this work is spiritual.

Co-founder and Past Festival President, Charlotte Pazant Brown - Lest We Forget Chair

Looking ahead with intention.

As we shifted into planning and succession, the energy stayed high. This retreat was about more than logistics. It was about legacy. We talked about how to pass the torch, how to invite the next generation in, and how to keep the Gullah spirit alive long after we’re gone. Every voice in the room mattered and every idea was rooted in love for the culture.

The torch is now carried by President and CEO, Thomas Roy Hicks! He's keeping the legacy alive!

Branding the culture with pride.

We also dug deep into marketing and branding. We did not do this just to sell tickets, but to figure out the best ways to tell our story. The presentation focused on how to be seen and not just noticed. We discussed how to make sure that the Gullah Festival isn’t just something people attend but something they remember, connect to, and want to be part of year after year. It was about more than logos and flyers; it was about representing the soul of the community in every touchpoint.

Why this retreat mattered.

This retreat marked a first for the Original Gullah Festival but it won’t be the last. It was a space where tradition met innovation, elders shared wisdom and youth shared vision. We left Savannah feeling rooted, energized, and united by a shared purpose.

This isn’t just a festival.

It’s a movement!

This is a small representation of the people who make it happen year after year. We do it for the culture! We do it for you!