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Savannah Tribune Celebrates 150th Anniversary with Community Events

Attendees enjoying the Southern-inspired brunch at the Savannah Tribune's 150th Anniversary celebration.

News Summary

The Savannah Tribune marked 150 years of service with a Biscuit Brunch and Sneaker Ball Soirée, celebrating African American history and honoring community leaders. The event, featuring local cuisine and entertainment, emphasized the Tribune’s ongoing commitment to the community, including a sneaker donation initiative. Special awards were presented, and the day included a documentary screening highlighting the newspaper’s legacy.

Savannah – The Savannah Tribune celebrated its 150th Anniversary with a Biscuit Brunch and Sneaker Ball Soirée on June 28, 2025, at the J. W. Marriott Plant Riverside Ballroom. The event brought together members of the community to honor notable figures in African American history and to commemorate the newspaper’s long-standing service to the region.

Mr. Shawn “J. Chris” Christopher served as the emcee for the day’s festivities, which recognized several distinguished honorees for their significant contributions to African American history. Award recipients included Ms. Dawn Baker, Dr. Charles J. Elmore, Ms. Vaughnette Goode-Walker, Dr. Charles Hoskins, and Mr. Walter Moore. Each honoree received a unique pen set as a token of appreciation for their dedication to preserving and promoting African American narratives through their research and community involvement.

The event marked a historic milestone for the Savannah Tribune, which was established in 1875 as the first African American newspaper serving south Georgia and northern Florida. This milestone served as a backdrop to the concurrent National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Convention, which gathered around 300 journalists from across the nation to discuss pressing issues in the media landscape.

Highlighting the significance of the Savannah Tribune’s work, Shirley James, the publisher of the newspaper, was awarded Publisher of the Year during the NNPA Convention. A special edition of the Savannah Tribune was published, featuring an insert that covered the day’s events, showcasing the vibrant community spirit surrounding the anniversary celebrations.

The menu at the brunch was a nod to Southern cuisine, featuring dishes such as Southern shrimp and grits, bacon and eggs, biscuits, chicken and waffles, and a selection of fresh fruits. Attendees also enjoyed the delightful treat of Leopold’s ice cream, provided by Stratton Leopold, further enhancing the festive atmosphere.

Entertainment for the soirée was provided by Joseph the DJ, who curated a mix of music that encouraged guests to dance and socialize. Attendees were welcomed with commemorative souvenirs that included a pack sack, Savannah Sweets Glazed Pecans and Pralines, and hand-potted gardens of red roses and carnations. Handmade newspaper flowers created by local students from Loop It Up were additionally given as unique keepsakes from the event.

A significant aspect of the day included a community service initiative encouraging guests to bring new or gently used sneakers for donation to local shelters. Contributions for sneaker donations were announced to still be accepted at the Savannah Tribune’s office located at 1805 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., reinforcing the event’s commitment to giving back to the community.

The event included the showcasing of a documentary titled “The Savannah Tribune – A Legacy” and a slideshow highlighting various sponsors, further emphasizing the collaborative effort involved in making the anniversary celebration a success. Special guests such as Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., NNPA President and CEO, and Mr. Bobby R. Henry, Sr., NNPA Chairman, were in attendance, underscoring the importance of the gathering.

The variety of sneakers worn by guests was accentuated throughout the evening, reflecting a theme of unity and community. Photos from the event will appear in the upcoming edition of the Savannah Tribune, ensuring that the memories of this significant anniversary are preserved.

As it moves forward, the Savannah Tribune aims to continue its vital role in the African American community, addressing contemporary issues, particularly regarding voting rights, and ensuring its legacy of service and excellence endures for another century and beyond.