Celebrate Black History Month in Columbia, SC
When it comes to paying homage to the black community, the USA leaves no opportunity. Commemorating the past, Columbia holds a month-long celebration in February every year. There are several events held across different dates of the month. These differ in its type of celebration and intend to focus on the contributions made by the black people.
Here we shall discuss some of the popular events celebrated.
- Civil Rights Walking Tour:
When discussing civil rights, it would be injustice to not talk about civil rights for the blacks. The signs displaying Columbia’s civil rights story are seen throughout the year on the main street. In February, during black history month the organizers arrange free civil rights walking tours every Sunday in downtown Columbia, South Carolina. The tours commemorate the civil rights movement in the history of the state and America.
- Celebration of the South Carolina Hip Hop Culture:
South Carolina is known for its rich history of hip hop culture. The events held in the month help people gain an in-depth knowledge and stay aware about the state's contributions to the rising cultural trend. It is held in collaboration with Love Peace and Hip Hop with the Columbia Museum of Art. The exhibition is a mixed media representation of arts like audio, visual arts, artifacts, and so forth from South Carolina history.
- Tours of Historic Columbia House:
The tour is organized with the help of buses that take a tour of historical sites known for their African American heritage. The tour can take you to several sites like the home of Celia Mann, i.e., the Mann-Simons site, the black midwife in Antebellum in Columbia up to the largest office life insurance company in America owned by a black American, i.e., North Carolina Mutual Building. The tour also entourages to other residential and business sites of major importance to black Americans.
- Real Fiction Film Series: Black Stories:
Looking at black American history is something you can do at The Nickelodeon which is South Carolina’s only independent movie theater. The ‘Black Stories: Real Fiction’ series are run throughout the month. It depicts black storytelling in full length and short length films.
- Gullah/Geechee Celebration:
The celebration offers you the opportunity to review black history along with refreshments. Donald Sweeper, rice slavery and Gullah historian, is also a master storyteller who holds the live performance depicting the history and traditions of the Gullah Geechee culture at Richland Library. He brings forth the Gullah culture alive along with a traditional Gullah dish that you can taste. The personal perspective of Donald Sweeper is also an insightful historical gain.
