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Savannah Celebrates African American and Gullah Geechee Literature

A gathering in Savannah to celebrate African American literary traditions.

News Summary

Savannah will honor its African American and Gullah Geechee literary traditions with a lecture by Patricia West, enhancing the city’s cultural landscape on Juneteenth. The event, part of the Historic Savannah Foundation’s 70th-anniversary celebration, includes a literary tour and original poetry, showcasing the contributions of Black authors to Savannah’s rich literary heritage.

Savannah is set to honor its rich African American and Gullah Geechee literary traditions through an upcoming lecture by retired educator Patricia West on June 19, 2025. This notable event marks the 70th anniversary of the Historic Savannah Foundation (HSF) and will take place at the foundation’s headquarters located at 321 E. York St. The lecture, forming part of the 2025 HSF Lecture Series titled “The People, Places and Stories That Define Savannah,” aims to explore the profound impact of local literature on the cultural landscape of the city.

The session will commence with a wine reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by the main lecture at 6 p.m. It is designed to coincide with the celebration of Juneteenth. West will guide attendees on a literary tour through the local segment of the Gullah Geechee Corridor, emphasizing the contributions of Black authors connected to Savannah as well as important figures from outside the area who have played a role in the region’s rich literary heritage.

During her lecture, West will also present original poetry that embodies her Gullah Geechee heritage while reflecting on the history of Savannah. Key themes in her readings will include the experiences of dockworkers, the roles of “dinner” ladies, and the lives of Black Victorians, showcasing the depth and diversity of the city’s literary past.

Patricia West’s Background

Patricia West is a native of Savannah and earned her degree from Savannah State University. She served as an Assistant Professor of English at her alma mater until her retirement in 2022. West holds a master’s degree in English Education from Georgia Southern University and achieved doctoral candidacy status at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Her literary contributions include the book “Still Water Words: Poems and Stories from Ancestral Places,” and she has co-authored the e-textbook “Great Works of African American Literature.” West has published scholarly work in prominent journals such as “The Journal of Museum Anthropology” and “Women’s Studies.” She is an accomplished researcher, having presented her findings at over 20 conferences both nationally and internationally, including recent work focusing on the influence of Black farm workers and house servants on the writing of acclaimed author Flannery O’Connor.

Community Involvement

In addition to her academic achievements, West remains an active member of her community. She serves as a lecturer at the Learning Center of Senior Citizens Inc. and holds a position on the board of directors for LePageville Memorial Cemetery, which has been noted on HSF’s inaugural list of at-risk historic properties. West is also involved with various organizations, such as the Savannah State University Community Booster Club and the Flannery O’Connor Society, further illustrating her commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural narrative of Savannah.

The Role of HSF

The Historic Savannah Foundation plays a vital role in the preservation and promotion of Savannah’s historical and cultural heritage, underscoring the importance of community events like this lecture. HSF’s CEO and President, Sue Adler, has stated the significance of Savannah’s contribution to African American literature, acknowledging the profound legacy that continues to shape the city’s identity.

By hosting this lecture, HSF aims to celebrate and amplify the voices and stories that have defined Savannah’s character over the years. This event will not only pay homage to the literary legacies of the African American community and the Gullah Geechee culture but also serve as an educational experience for attendees, offering insight into the interconnectedness of local history and literature.

For those interested in Savannah’s rich literary traditions, this event promises to be a meaningful occasion to learn and reflect on the historical narratives that continue to resonate today.