Support The Black Moses Freedom Festival

On June 2, 1863, Harriet Tubman led black union soldiers up the Combahee River to free enslaved people in Beaufort County, SC. The Black Moses Freedom Festival has been curated as a Heritage, Health, and Wellness Festival celebrating the Spirit, Ingenuity, and Liberation of African Americans and people of color around the globe in keeping with Harriet Tubman’s legacy. The spirit of Harriet Tubman must stay alive in Beaufort County and is of utmost importance. Hundreds of enslaved captives were freed by her hands. However, she led the mission that freed over 750, right here in our Beautiful Beaufort County. June 2, 2023 marks the 160th Anniversary of The Raid at Combahee Ferry. As a community we should be educated about this proud history, and Harriet ‘Araminta’ Tubman should be celebrated as one of our local and personal heroes. No other State, City, or County can boast such a significant victory as one of her most famous successful missions. We will host this festival for the second year in Beaufort County on June 2-4, 2023.

The Black Moses Freedom Festival aims to highlight the Black Imagination, Emancipation, and Educational Excellence that has been the pillars upholding, not only our survival, but also our ability to thrive in a most hostile environment. It is our commitment to community, connection with nature, and relationship with God (in the many ways we may view that energy), that has kept us and healed us through all of the struggles we have faced. 

My name is Eboni Holmes and I have been practicing Yoga for over 15 years and have been certified to teach an African-centered Yoga for over 5 years now. I have worked in healthcare for over 30 years, with the last 15 years focusing primarily on Holistic and Alternative Methods of healing. I have always been a healer and an active member of the community. I offer private and group classes, as well as Healing Retreats throughout the Southeast. Yoga has changed my life dramatically in the last 5 years since I began teaching and I am excited about sharing these methods and tools with the community.

This festival is a personal way for me to give back to my ancestors who endured so much more than I could ever imagine. My father was born in Beaufort, SC in 1942 and for as long as I can remember, Beaufort has been the magical place we visited every summer. I attended Lady’s Island Jr. High, when we lived in Beaufort for 3 years during my childhood. My grandmother was born in Allendale, SC and was said to be a part of the Yamassee tribe, I have yet to confirm that through my research. 

The Black Moses Freedom Festival is a vital component supporting the communities in Beaufort County, according to The Indicator Report 2021 entitled “Together For Beaufort County”. The recommendations section touched on several areas that are the pillars of The Black Moses Freedom Festival:

4 Pillars Of BMFF

Environment 

The residents of Beaufort County could benefit from connecting with nature with hopes of garnering a respect for nature that leads to conservation and cleaner living

Building of Community Gardens 

Encouraging physical activities such as biking and walking.

Health

Increase activity for children and elders, yoga is great for both.

Healthy Food options and preparation.

Opportunities for individually-adapted programs to teach lifelong behavioral skills

Social Well Being

Identifying areas known to be food deserts 

Creating Safe spaces where the community can gather

Education

Committed to educating the whole child and their families. Our goal is to promote literacy and STEAM education in an effort to decrease generational poverty in the community.

Activities Presented at Black Moses Freedom Festival. 

1. “Word, Sound, Power!! ” open mic and jam session music, poetry, drums, comedy

2. Take Me to The River Combahee River Tour w/ Mama Patt Gunn of Savannah Underground Tours

3. Anansi’s Children’s Corner: Apex Academy Of Innovation STE(A)M activities,

PBS Kids Sci-Girls, Storytelling, Harriet reenactment

4. Sacred Sunday Wellness Portal: Yoga, Meditation, Acupuncture, Massage

5. Brunch and Townhall: Delicious and Nutritious chef prepared brunch and community meeting

6. Black Farmers Market, offering opportunities for disenfranchised black farmers to connect with the community with economic empowerment and connecting with nature in a sustainable relationship as the overall goal.

7. Workshops focused on:

Mental Health, Heirs Property Preservation, Herbal Healing, Agricultural Sustainability, Financial Wellness, and More!