The Willow Hill Heritage and Renaissance Center will mark the 150th anniversary of the opening of the historic Willow Hill School with a celebration on Saturday. 

On April 27, the museum will host "A Taste of Struggle" – an event offering a deep dive into the culinary traditions of the Willow Hill Community. Food historians, including the renowned Pitmaster John “Bobbie” Robinson, will prepare authentic meals showcasing techniques from the era of slavery. Pitmaster Robinson, who inherited his skills from a long line of pitmasters, will demonstrate the art of slow-cooked, flavor-rich meats prepared in hand-dug pits.

The event gets underway at 8 a.m. and runs until 7 p.m.

Joining Robinson will be food historian Clarissa Clifton, known for her work at the Archibald Smith Plantation, and Chef Cheryl Henry, who will provide insights into the historical context of slave-era cooking and its evolution into soul food. 

Dressed in period attire, Clifton will cook traditional dishes like stews and Hoppin' John in cast iron pots over an open fire.

Throughout the day, guests may observe these culinary practices, tour the Willow Hill Museum, and enjoy performances by notable artists, including the Saltwata Players, Sirdeepy Fraizer and Jamal Toure, among others.

The event will conclude with a communal meal, allowing guests to savor the dishes crafted throughout the day. While daytime events are free, the evening meal serves as a fundraiser to support ongoing museum programs. For more information and ticket purchases, please visit "A Taste of Struggle."

Willow Hill School, founded in 1874 by the Donaldson, Riggs, Hall, and Parrish families – formerly enslaved individuals – remained operational until 1999, making it the longest-running school in Bulloch County. The school's legacy continues through the Willow Hill Heritage and Renaissance Center, established in 2005 by descendants of the original founders, serving as a museum, cultural hub, and historic site.