The fifth annual STRONG THREADS FESTIVAL will take place Saturday, February 18, 2012, 11:00am –
3:00pm, on the grounds of the historic Harriet Barber House in Hopkins, SC. STRONG THREADS, Inc.
celebrates the heritage, history and culture of African-Americans with music, dancing, storytelling, visual
and creative arts, and drama for audiences of all ages. The past four years have included appearances by
authors Rose Rock and Joyce Hansen, storyteller Aunt Pearlie Sue, singer Regina Skeeters, the ABATSU
African dance and drummers and many other speakers, entertainers, artists and crafts persons from
South Carolina, Georgia and North Carolina. Thousands have enjoyed this free fun-filled day sponsored
over the years by the Richland County Council, SERCO (Southeast Rural Community Outreach), the SC
Humanities Council and the Network for STAAR.

This year, we will highlight the strong foundation families provide for a more secure and stable future
for children to thrive. THE STRONG THREADS FAMILY OF THE YEAR competition will debut as a way to identify successful families across the state of South Carolina. Individuals are asked to nominate families to be
voted on by the general public. Family members may nominate as well as individuals outside of the
family. A brief essay will be needed to promote each family for voting purposes. The family with the
most votes will win cash and other prizes.

The historical connection to Sierra Leone, the country in West Africa where the majority of Africans
enslaved in South Carolina originated, will be illustrated with music and storytelling by a noted artisan
from Sierra Leone, Sulaiman Kutay Turay. Turay, along with a team of dancers and drummers will
present his latest performance, Masyende: A Celebration of Unity & Hope. Through storytelling,
drumming, dance and song the group will depict the strong history and cultural ties of the Gullah-
Geechee people of South Carolina and Africa, specifically Sierra Leone.

The beauty and excitement of an African wedding ceremony will be celebrated as a part of the
festivities, also.

This is a free event for participants of all ages. Vendors and community service organizations are invited
to register for this well attended event.

For more information, please contact us:

P. O. Box 30791, Columbia, SC 29230
803-661-9612
strongthreads@gmail.com