The Daughters of Mary Magdalene sponsored the 6th annual Savannah Juneteenth Festival on June 21st in Wells Park. The Daughters of Mary Magdalene honor our ancestors and those who epitomize their spirit. This year’s Honorees included Ms. Alfreda Mitchell (posthumously); Jazz Legend Mr. Ben Tucker (posthumously); Mr. Teddy Adams; Mr. E. Larry McDuffie; Mrs. Avis Myles; Travis ‘Chosen’ Jones; Former Harlem Globetrotter Mr. Larry ‘Gator’ Rivers and Dr. Stacy L. Henderson (Montford Point Marine Association, National Queen, 2013-14). The Guest Speaker was Attorney Albert Mitchell. Katoria ‘Toots’ Mitchell and Khyrie ‘Khy’ Ishmael (Atlanta) wowed the crowd with their positive messages of higher education and self-empowerment. They performed two of their chart-topping hits ‘Runaway’ and ‘Cool’ – an anthem which encourages youth to aspire to greater achievements in life. They even invited children at the event to join them on stage during their performance. Later, they spent quality time fellowshipping with festival attendees. Toots and Khy tour extensively and support several community outreach initiatives and youth programs. They partnered with Dr. Stacy L. Henderson to raise money for the Montford Point Marine Association, Inc. Scholarship Fund; mentored youth at the Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club; performed at the Spirit of Excellence Business Awards Gala and they perform free concerts for our Troops. In addition, Toots provides educational resources to young adults and funds literacy programs through her non-profit literacy foundation, ‘Toots for Books.’ The dynamic duo attended the BET Awards held June 29. The (live) awards show was hosted by Chris Rock, with a Red Carpet VIP After Party hosted by Dr. Stacy L. Henderson.
Other festival musical performers were: Conscious Rapper RaSerch (Milledgeville); The Mighty Gospel Force (Hinesville); Gospel Artist Travis ‘Chosen’ Jones (Savannah); Ms. Alicia Blakely (National Action Network, Savannah Chapter President); Mr. E. Larry McDuffie and the Savannah Community Chorus; and Ms. Stephanie Collier.