Drums and Shadows this Saturday at Carneige

Drums and Shadows, presented by Dr. Barbara Fertig

Saturday October 10th

3-5 p.m., at Carnegie Branch of Live Oak Public Libraries.

537 E. Henry St., Savannah Ga. 31401.

Part of the “Soul of a People: Writing America’s Story” program series.

Explore the stories and photographs of Coastal Georgia’s long-standing African American communities captured in Drums and Shadows: Survival Studies among the Georgia Coastal Negroes. Folklorist and historian Barbara Fertig and community members will discuss the context and significance of this work, an important contribution to the study of African American folklore and local history. Enjoy a performance by The Gospelaires! Free and open to the public, the program will be held from 3-5 p.m., at Carnegie Branch of Live Oak Public Libraries. 537 E. Henry St., Savannah Ga. 31401.

First published in 1940, the text and especially the photographs from of Drums and Shadows are precious echoes of the past for Savannah’s African-American citizens, some of whom remember the individuals interviewed and photographed for the book. Members of the Savannah Unit of the Federal Writers’ Project interviewed local blacks about customs and beliefs passed down; they were looking for “survivals” from African traditions in the local culture. Muriel and Malcolm Bell, Jr. photographed those interviewed, their crafts and homes. Drums and Shadows continues to be in print from University of Georgia Press. It is widely available in libraries and bookstores.

There are 3 more programs in Savannah's "Soul" series (free!)