COLUMBIA, S.C. — February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate and elevate African American culture. Take time to learn, have fun, and develop a deeper understanding of our shared history.
Here are some of the planned events and places to visit:
Events
Feb. 7: Artists for Africa: Postcard Art, Hilton Garden Inn, Gervais at Pickens streets. The annual sale of postcards sourced from original works of art, pottery jewelry and more follows a cocktail hour. The 4x6 postcards cost $75 each, other pieces are priced by the artists.
Feb. 10: Black History Month Celebration, Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly St. Highlighting the Gullah culinary arts, and works of authors and illustrators of South Carolina natives. Learn about Library assets that can help you trace your roots, enjoy African dancers and drummers. Time: 2-5 p.m. Tickets: this event is free
Feb. 10: Black Art Pokeno, Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St. What do you get when you combine elements of poker and keno? A fast paced game similar to bingo, featuring images of Black art and artists. Learn more about Black art, win prizes from Black-owned businesses, and have some fun. Time: 7-9 p.m. Tickets (includes access to CMA galleries, one Black Art Pokeno card, and light snacks): $35 per person, $25 for Friends of African American Art & Culture (FAAAC). Beer, wine and FAAAC's signature Pokeno Punch with Tito's vodka available for purchase.
Feb. 10 & Feb. 17: Watch Freely: Black Love Film Series, Richland Library Eastover, 608 Main St., Eastover. Enjoy a day of free movies celebrating Black love. The lineup includes: The Photographer at 10am, Southside with You at noon, and Love & Basketball at 2pm. This is a free event.
Feb. 22: SC African American Heritage Commission annual conference, SC Archives & History Center, 8301 Parklane Rd. A day of break-out presentations and discussion on topics that include Genealogy, History and Historic Preservation, Demanding Space: African American Women in SC During and After Reconstruction, and A Conversation on the State of African American History in SC. Time: 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tickets (price includes boxed lunch): $35 per person, $15 for seniors, $10 for students
Feb. 24: : Karamu!!, Martin Luther King Park, 2300 Greene St. Bring the entire family to celebrate 19th Annual Statewide Black History Parade and Festival. Parade begins at the intersection of Hampton and Harden streets. Time: 1-5 pm
Feb. 25: Black History Heritage Ball, Hyatt Park, 950 Jackson Ave. The ball features entertainment, food, door prizes and surprises. Senator Tameika Isaac Devine will be the guest speaker, guests are asked to dress in African attire. Time: 3 pm. Tickets: $12 and must be purchased in advance at the Parks and Recreation Main Office location of 1111 Recreation Drive, Columbia SC. Seating is limited.
Places to visit
African American History Monument, State House grounds, Columbia. The monument depicting the history of African Americans in South Carolina -- from slavery to the struggle for civil rights -- was installed on the State House grounds on March 29, 2001
Historic Columbia's African American Heritage Sites Tour is a collection of 43 locations in the Columbia area that are significant to the history of African Americans in the city. Tour online or use the website as a guide for a walking/driving self-paced tour. Start at the George Elmore Home at 907 Tree St. in the Waverly community. Mr. Elmore was a businessman who became known for his efforts to secure African American voting rights in the state's primary elections.
Historic Columbia's Online Walking Tours of African American neighborhoods features locations of historical importance in the following neighborhoods: Barhamville-Kendalltown, Lower Richalnd, Lower Waverly, and Waverly. Use your mobile device for a self-guided walking or driving tour.
Mann-Simons Site, 1403 Richland St., Columbia. One of Historic Columbia's properties, the Mann-Simons Site was home to the same entrepreneurial African American family for nearly 130 years. The site features "ghost" structures that show footprints of former buildings on the site. Tour times vary. Tickets available online or at Robert Mills Gift Shop, 1616 Blanding St.
Modjeska Monteith Simkins House, 2025 Marion St. A Historic Columbia property, the Monteith Simkins house was the home of one of South Carolina's greatest human rights advocates from 1932 until her death in 1992. Tour times vary. Tickets available online or at Robert Mills Gift Shop, 1616 Blanding St.
Journey to Freedom presented by Historic Columbia combines visits to the Mann-Simons Site and Modjeska Monteith Simkins House. Tours are 1:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets available online or at Robert Mills Gift Shop, 1616 Blanding St.
International African American Museum (IAAM), 14 Wharfside St., Charleston. Built at the point of arrival of African slaves in the United States, the IAAM strives to take an unvarnished look at the African American experience across generations. IAAM's Center of Family History is a research center dedicated to helping individuals connect with family history with reference libraries and one-on-one video consultations. Check out the various programs and events scheduled throughout the year.
A Seat at the Table
News19's occasional series features groundbreaking African American individuals in the Midlands. Individuals -- from artists and politicians to sports figures and lawmakers -- tell their stories, one-on-one with hosts Darci Strickland and Whitney Sullivan. Watch interviews or nominate someone to be profiled at wltx.com/aseatatthetable or on WLTX's YouTube channel
