Penn Center Heritage Days 2025 Insiders Guide

Penn Center Heritage Days 2025 opened Thursday with the sounds of drums echoing across the 50-acre Penn Center campus.

This year’s festival carries an especially heartfelt tone. In the wake of last month’s tragedy on St. Helena Island, the Martin Luther King Park will be closed throughout the weekend in remembrance of the victims, opening only Saturday morning for the Heritage Parade. Additionally security will also be in place, said Dr. Robert Adams, Executive Director of Penn Center Inc.

Dubbed youth and family day, the campus was filled as hundreds of students, families, and longtime supporters came together to honor Gullah Geechee heritage through music, food, and fellowship. A community dinner was held at the Emory Campbell Dining Hall featuring a Taste of Gullah cuisine.

As night fell, Frissell Hall came alive with The Road to Remembrance, an original play written by Sarah Reynolds Green and performed by local youth. The powerful production paid tribute to Harriet Tubman’s 1863 Combahee River Raid, celebrating her courage and the enduring strength of the Gullah Geechee people through storytelling and song.

The evening continued at the York W. Bailey Museum, where this year’s featured artist Lisa Rivers welcomed guests to a special reception showcasing her vibrant portraits of Sea Island life.

If you missed opening day, here’s what’s ahead for the rest of the weekend.

Friday, November 7 - Art, Music, and A Fish Fry

The festival continues today with a full schedule of cultural workshops, panel discussions, and live music. Browse artisan vendors, enjoy traditional dishes at the fish fry and crab crack, and experience Gullah storytelling and crafts throughout the day.

All Day
Dr. York W. Bailey Museum Tours
Music and Vendors plus Artists and Authors Row
Cultural Heritage Marketplace
 Sea Island Scenes Film Fest at St. Helena Branch Library

12 PM
“Poetically Historic” Spoken Word Circle at Center Stage hosted by Eboni Holmes featuring poetry by Ellen Murray and an open mic for Gullah Geechee and Black poets

3 PM to 5PM
Gullah/Geechee Lineage and Cultural Legacy Symposium at Frissell Community House featuring Dr. Edda Fields-Black, Dr. Amir J. Touré, Dr. Gina Paige, and Dr. Cassandra Gooptar. This is a ticketed event. Tickets are $25 via Eventbrite and will also be available for purchase at the door.

6 PM to 9 PM
Hitsville at Heritage Motown Revue at Center Stage
Featuring James Stephens III, “The Man of a Thousand Voices,” and a James Jamerson tribute by Anthony McKnight
Motown Fish Fry and Oyster Roast with show beginning at 7 PM

Saturday, November 8 — Community Celebration Day

The highlight of Heritage Days weekend begins bright and early on Saturday morning with a full day of celebration, reflection, and unity across the Penn Center campus and greater St. Helena Island.

8 AM to 10 AM
Heritage Days Parade — The parade kicks off from St. Helena Park on Ballpark Road, with volunteers opening the gates at 7 AM for participant registration at Halifax.

10 AM- 4 PM Entertainment all Day on Center Stage including:
Welcome by Executive Director Dr. Adams
Mildred Daniels leads “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
Prayer by Deacon Peter Smalls
Libation Ceremony by Queen Quet, Chair of Heritage Days Celebration
Robinson Brothers
MC Amir Jamal Touré and Sponsors Introductions
De Drum by Dr. Touré
Wona Womalan Drummers and Dancers
Bruce Ingram as “The Runaway”
Featured Artist Lisa Rivers Spotlight
Bam Robinson
Beth Inabinett and For the Funk of It
Boots on the Ground Git Down
Marcus Allen
Adriane T. Middleton and Good Vibes Band

Throughout the day, the Cultural Heritage Marketplace will feature artisans, food vendors, and storytellers sharing the traditions that continue to sustain the Gullah-Geechee community.

Sunday, November 9 — Spiritual Heritage Day

The doors at Brick Baptist Church are open for worship and reflection, closing Heritage Days 2025 with gratitude, prayer, and remembrance for those we have lost.