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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.

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 Dr. Benjamin Mays | Carolina Snaps

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Dr. Benjamin Mays | Carolina Snaps
According to many scholars, this South Carolina native is one of the most significant figures in American history. Who is he, you ask? Let’s find out. As the son of freed sharecroppers, Dr. Benjamin...
Jasper Johns | S.C. Hall of Fame Darius Rucker | S.C. Hall of Fame

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Darius Rucker | S.C. Hall of Fame
Darius Rucker (Darius Carlos Rucker (born May 13, 1966) is an American singer and songwriter. He first gained fame as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of rock band Hootie & the Blowfish, which...
3D VR - Bettis Academy | Let's Go!

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3D VR - Bettis Academy | Let's Go!
Established in Trenton (Edgefield County) in 1881 by the Reverend Alexander Bettis, this school provided former enslaved African Americans and their children with a basic education of reading and...
Bettis Academy Photo Gallery | Let's Go!

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Bettis Academy Photo Gallery | Let's Go!
Established in Trenton (Edgefield County) in 1881 by the Reverend Alexander Bettis, this school provided former enslaved African Americans and their children with a basic education of reading and...
Penn Center Photo Gallery | Let's Go!

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Penn Center Photo Gallery | Let's Go!
The Penn Center, founded officially as the Penn School in 1865, is a campus of buildings dedicated to African American education in St. Helena Island, South Carolina. The original school grew out of...
Jasper Johns | S.C. Hall of Fame Leo Twiggs | S.C. Hall of Fame

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Leo Twiggs | S.C. Hall of Fame
Leo Franklin Twiggs (born 1934 in St. Stephen, South Carolina) is an American batik artist. He taught from 1973 until 1998 at South Carolina State University. He was the first visual artist to receive...
William Farrow |  S.C. Hall of Fame Evelyn Wright | S.C. Hall of Fame

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Evelyn Wright | S.C. Hall of Fame
Elizabeth Evelyn Wright was born April 3, 1872 in Talbotton, Georgia. While being educated, she learned about Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute and Booker T. Washington. In 1888, Wright...
3D VR - Penn Center: Brick Church | Let's Go!

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3D VR - Penn Center: Brick Church | Let's Go!
Penn Center is one of the most significant African American historical and cultural institutions in existence today. The historic campus is located on St. Helena Island, one of the most beautiful and...
Lamar High School Photo Gallery | Let's Go! Historic Scott’s Branch High School  | Let's Go!

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Historic Scott’s Branch High School | Let's Go!
The original Scott’s Branch High School was formed to serve African American students in Summerton, South Carolina. Originally known as the Taw Caw School, the school's name changed due to the...