The Griots Society of Gulfport stands as a significant cultural institution dedicated to preserving and advancing African American history, heritage, and education. Its roots are deeply intertwined with the African tradition of storytelling and oral history, a practice essential to the survival and transmission of knowledge throughout generations. The society's formal establishment on December 13, 2024 under the leadership of Bobby Hudson III marks a pivotal moment in the city’s cultural evolution, bridging historical traditions with modern efforts to empower and educate the community.

The Griots Society of Gulfport, led by Bobby Hudson III, traces its formal establishment to December 2024, but its cultural foundation was laid over decades by community leaders and educators who committed themselves to the advancement of African American history. A key figure in this legacy was Reverend Harry C. Tartt, a trailblazer in the promotion of cultural education through Gulfport's annual Juneteenth celebrations. As early as 1999, Rev. Tartt began reenacting the historical moment when General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, in 1865 to announce the end of slavery. Officially recognized in 2000, this reenactment became a signature part of Gulfport’s Juneteenth festivities, drawing community members together for a celebration that combined education and cultural pride.

Rev. Tartt’s leadership laid the groundwork for Gulfport’s Juneteenth movement, and after his passing, Rutha Haskin-Evans assumed responsibility for the city’s cultural celebration. Under Haskins-Evans’ leadership, Juneteenth became a recognized and celebrated event, marked by mayoral proclamations between 2009 and 2012. Her dedication ensured that the significance of Juneteenth—and by extension, African American history—remained a central part of Gulfport’s cultural landscape. In 2020, Bobby Hudson III, with the support of Haskin-Evans, founded the Gulfport City-Wide Juneteenth Celebration and its respective committee. Hudson sought to build on the legacy of Tartt and Haskin-Evans by expanding the reach and impact of the celebration. What began as a day of commemoration grew into a weeklong event filled with educational programs, cultural performances, and community gatherings, known as the Freedom Weekend Celebration.

In 2021, Hudson introduced an innovative element to the celebration: the inclusion of characters inspired by New Orleans' famous Zulu Krewe. Among these characters were the Griots, who quickly became central figures in the Juneteenth festivities. The Griots, embodying the spirit of the African tradition, stood out during the 2021 celebration for their role in educating the public about African American history through storytelling and dramatic reenactments. Their presence not only added a dynamic cultural layer to Juneteenth but also underscored the importance of preserving and promoting history in the broader context of social and political empowerment.

The creation of the Griots Society aimed to continue the tradition of using oral history, performance, and education to inspire and uplift the community. Hudson also reincorporated the Juneteenth Celebration Committee as a standing committee of the Griots Society, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of Gulfport’s cultural identity.