ATLANTA (April 25, 2024) – Today, Sen. Derek Mallow (D–Savannah) gave the following statement on Orange Crush, a Tybee Island beach party dating back to the 1980s by students from Savannah State University.
“As we reflect on the recent Orange Crush weekend, it’s imperative that we focus on the positive aspects of the event. While there may have been isolated incidents, we must separate these outliers from the overall success of the gathering. Orange Crush weekend is a longstanding tradition that brings an economic uptick to our local businesses on Tybee Island, and it serves as a regional event for HBCUs to gather in Savannah since the 1980s.
We need to shift the narrative to highlight that attending beach events like Orange Crush can be done independently, without reliance on promoters. This not only fosters a sense of empowerment among attendees but also alleviates potential burdens on taxpayers while fostering better collaboration between local government and citizens.
As we move forward, it’s vitally imperative to prioritize the safety and well-being of all participants, especially college students. This means guaranteeing measures to prevent exploitation and providing adequate resources for all attendees such as indoor restroom facilities and frequent shuttles throughout the city.
Ultimately, Orange Crush needs leadership and cooperation from individuals of all backgrounds to ensure its continued success. I am committed to fostering dialogue and collaboration to ensure the continued success of this beloved event.”
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Sen. Derek Mallow represents the 2nd Senate District which includes a portion of Chatham County. He may be reached by phone at 404.656.7586 or via email at derek.mallow@senate.ga.gov