African American History

Learn about the achievements of African Americans who have shaped South Carolina and American history.

Black History Month is celebrated every February to honor the achievements of African Americans who have shaped American history. Historian Carter G. Woodson hoped to raise awareness of African American's contributions to civilization by establishing Negro History Week. The event was first celebrated during a week in February 1926 that included both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass' birthdays. The week was later expanded to a month in 1976 during the United States bicentennial.

PHOTO: On March 20, 1969, Black hospital workers at the Medical College of South Carolina in Charleston went on strike to protest the firing of twelve employees and to call for higher wages and union recognition.

Within this Collection

Land
Episode 12

Video

Several generations of the St. Helena community attended the historic Penn School, established as one of the first schools for freed slaves. In the 1950s and 1960s, the site served as a safe retreat...
The Tuskegee Airmen Phenomenon
Episode 1

Video

The story of the Tuskegee Airman is even more a story about America than about a group of determined young African American men and women in the late 30’s and early 40’s. On this edition of...
The Friendship Nine

Video

Over 50 years ago nine young African American students, known as the Friendship Nine, were jailed after sitting at a whites only counter in downtown Rock Hill. Yesterday they were back in court, but...