Blog | ArticleAugust 2024 on KnowItAll.org

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Every Role Counts is a campaign aimed at sharing important information on critical career paths in South Carolina.

A certified surgical technologist is responsible for preparing supplies and instrumentation that is needed for a surgical procedure. During a procedure the surgical technologist passes sterile instruments to the surgeon and assists in other ways throughout the case. Their role is vital to the successful outcome of a medical procedure. To become a surgical technologist, contact your local technology school to learn more about the required training.

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John Dillinger - Public Enemy #1 Taken Down

John Herbert Dillinger is remembered as arguably the most infamous bank robber in American history. Dillinger’s crime spree across the Midwest lasted from June 1933 to July 1934. The FBI’s J. Edgar Hoover assigned South Carolina’s own “G-Man” Melvin Purvis to hunt down and put an end to Dillinger once and for all. Thanks to the efforts of Purvis’ FBI team and local law enforcement, Dillinger’s life of crime ended outside of Chicago’s Biograph Theater on July 22, 1934.

SC AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY CALENDAR 2024 LESSON PLANS

SC AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY CALENDAR 2024 HONOREES

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CAROLINA SNAPS

Carolina Snaps

BMW

How did South Carolina beat 250 global locations to land BMW’s biggest factory? Learn how this dynamic move to Spartanburg sparked an economic revolution. In 1992, Spartanburg, South Carolina secured a major win by attracting BMW’s first factory outside of Germany. BMW’s Greer plant began in 1994, the decision was pivotal for South Carolina’s industrial recruitment due to robust training programs and infrastructure. Today the factory is BMW’s largest, with over 11,00 workers, providing 7,200 jobs in the state. The plant revitalized the local economy, recovering from a hard decline in the textile industry. BMW’s investment catalyzed economic growth in Greenville, transforming the city and attracting other manufacturers. BMW’s impact on the economy is substantial, supporting 121,000 jobs nationwide, boosting the US GDP by $15.8 billion. BMW’s success exemplifies how global economies transform local economies, positioning SC as a key player in the global manufacturing sector.

Carolina Reaper

Unleashing fiery heat from South Carolina, the Carolina Reaper stands as a tribute to Ed Currie’s remarkable journey to global spice fame. The Carolina Reaper is renowned as one the hottest peppers in the world, developed by Ed Currie in Rock Hill, SC. Currie was originally seeking to create a sweet pepper, however he instead created the Carolina Reaper. The pepper was named for its distinctive scorpion-like tail and intense heat ranging from 1,400,000 to 2,200,000 Scoville Heat Units. The Reaper’s vibrant red, bumpy pods are a testament to Currie’s expertise and passion for chili cultivation. The Guinness Book of World Records named the Carolina Reaper the hottest pepper in 2013. Ed’s company, PuckerButt Pepper Company now stands as the largest organic pepper farm in the US, generating over $1 million annually. The Carolina Reaper has made a significant impact on the spice industry, with products being used in a variety of hot sauces and salsa. Ed Currie’s spiciest innovation highlights South Carolina’s contribution to agricultural and culinary arts. The Reaper’s legacy continues to inspire chili enthusiasts and represents South Carolina’s unique agricultural heritage

Chicken Bog

Taste the history and tradition of South Carolina’s famous chicken bog. Traditional chicken bog recipes are simple. Chicken bog is a one pot recipe with rice, chicken, and sausage, a traditional dish originating from South Carolina. Particularly popular in Horry County, (Myrtle Beach, and Conway) extending west to Florence. The dish’s moist texture distinguishes it from the drier chicken perlo, found in nearby Georgetown County. The name bog likely refers to the dish’s wet consistency, or boggy landscapes where it is enjoyed. South Carolina’s relationship with rice dates to the 1700s, when the state was the nation’s leading producer until the Civil War. Chicken bog’s significance has been celebrated annually since 1979, at the Loris Bog- Off Festival, crowning Loris as the capital of chicken bog. The festival underscores the dishes’ cultural importance within a community, keeping the tradition alive and flavorful

Eartha Kitt

Eartha Kitt's journey from a small town in South Carolina to international stardom is a testament to her extraordinary talent and resilience, celebrated annually on Eartha Kitt Day in her home state. Eartha Kitt, renowned for her captivating performances, enjoyed a successful career as a singer, actress, and dancer. Born on January 17, 1927, in North, South Carolina, Kitt's journey to stardom began with the Katherine Dunham Company. She gained international fame with hits like "Santa Baby" and her iconic role as Catwoman in the 1960s "Batman" TV series. Kitt's career spanned decades, marked by her unique ability to mesmerize audiences with her versatility and charisma. Her roots in South Carolina were a significant part of her identity, influencing her artistry and resilience. Despite facing racial prejudice and hardship, Kitt's success story became a beacon of inspiration. To honor her legacy, South Carolina declared January 17th as Eartha Kitt Day, celebrating her contributions to the arts and her enduring connection to the state. This day not only commemorates her remarkable achievements but also highlights her role as a trailblazer who overcame adversity to leave a lasting mark on the entertainment industry. Eartha Kitt Day serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage she represents and her enduring impact on future generations.

Georgetown, S.C.

Nestled on the coast of South Carolina, Georgetown County embodies resilience and centuries of rich, cultural history. Georgetown, South Carolina was founded in 1729, as the third oldest town in the state. Initially indigo was the main crop, driving economic growth from 1745 to 1775. The town’s convenient location as a port of entry in 1732 facilitated direct trade positively helping the economy. Georgetown’s historical prominence is marked by events like the British occupation during the Revolutionary War and its role as a supply port for General Nathanael Greene’s army. Post-war, rice replaced indigo, sustaining the town’s economy until the Civil War. The 19th century brought diversification with the lumber and turpentine industries. Georgetown’s economy evolved further with the establishment of the Atlantic Coast Lumber Company in 1903 and in the International Paper plant in 1935, revitalizing the town. Despite economic downturns, including the Great Depression, the town’s historical and economic resilience is evident. Today, Georgetown offers a blend of historical charm and modern vitality, making it a significant chapter in South Carolina’s history.

Notebook, The

Discover the enchanting landscapes and historical locations in South Carolina that were used to film the timeless love story “The Notebook”. Despite the novel being set in North Carolina, the movie was largely filmed in and around Charleston. The most beautiful, emotional scenes unfold at various, iconic locations. The Rice Hope Plantation on the Black River served as the nursing home, while the Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant represented Allie’s summer house, displaying one of America’s oldest working plantations. The historical College of Charleston stood in for Allie’s college. The American Theater and the Calhoun Mansion are both located in Charleston, and offered rich historical backdrops, with grand interiors embodying the luxury in this era. The modest home Noah shared with his father is located on Edisto Beach. Noah’s romantic boat ride with Allie was filmed at Cypress Gardens in Moncks Corner. The serene, natural beauty reflects the region’s coastal charm. These locations highlight SC’s diverse landscapes and architectural heritage, while also emphasizing the state’s role in American cinema.

Rev. Jesse Jackson

South Carolina’s own Reverend Jesse Jackson made history challenging library segregation with the Greenville Eight. Did you know that before Jesse Jackson’s honorable role as a civil rights leader and marching with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he was involved in a sit- in protesting racial segregation in public libraries? He once recounted how humiliating it was to not have access to books. After being denied at the main library, Jackson vowed to return in the summer to advocate for desegregation. On July 16, 1960, Jesse Jackson was one of eight students who courageously entered the whites-only Greenville Public Library. By September, the libraries allowed integration. Jackson has been a leader for change and later witnessed Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, became the first viable African- American presidential candidate, and negotiated the release of international hostages and prisoners. Reverend Jesse Jackson’s early activism for desegregating libraries in South Carolina laid the foundation for his enduring legacy as a pivotal leader in the civil rights movement and beyond.

Sonoco

A small-town startup in South Carolina became a global packaging powerhouse. Discover the remarkable story of Sonoco Products Company’s 130 years of innovation and growth! Founded in 1890 as Carolina Fiber Company in Hartsville, South Carolina, the company initially produced paper cones, and manufactured pulp and paper from Southern pine trees. Renamed Southern Novelty Company in 1899 and later Sonoco Products Company in 1923 the company expanded its product line to include paper tubes and various packaging solutions. Sonoco thrived through the Great Depression, and established multiple plants and subsidiaries, including the first international venture in England. Present day, Sonoco is a leading global manufacturer of industrial and consumer packaging, pioneering recycling, with over 300 operations in 35 countries and serves customers in 85 countries. Sonoco offers a wide range of products such as rigid paper and plastic containers, paper-based flexible packaging, and protective packaging. From its root in South Carolina's pine forests to being global packaging leader, Sonoco Product's ingenuity has left a lasting mark on the world.

Summerville, S.C.

Immerse yourself in the refreshing tale of sweet tea, a beloved Southern staple that not only quenches thirst but also holds a rich history rooted in South Carolina’s charming town of Summerville. Sweet tea origins trace back to Summerville, famously named “The Birthplace of Sweet Tea”. In the late 1700s, French botanist Andre Michaux introduced the tea plant, Camellia sinensis to South Carolina. Despite initial failures in other regions, the US government established a tea farm in Summerville in 1884. Dr. Charles Shepard later founded the Pinehurst Tea Plantation, which thrived and gained international applause due to winning first prize at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Trade Fair. The Chamber of Commerce commissioned a large mural of a tea glass and the town set a Guinness World Record for the largest iced tea twice, with a 15-foot container named Mason. The enthusiasm is rooted in Summerville’s historical connection to tea cultivation and the community’s collective memory. Visitors to Summerville are encouraged to explore the Sweet Tea Trail, admire the tea mural, and experience the legacy of sweet tea. Summerville continues to celebrate and reclaim its sweet tea heritage and preserving this delicious piece of Southern culture.

Coastal Kingdom with Tony Mills

COASTAL KINGDOM

Curiosity Trek

CURIOSITY TREK VIDEOS & PHOTOS

EVERY ROLE COUNTS

Every Role Counts is a campaign aimed at sharing important information on critical career paths in South Carolina.

HISTORY IN A NUTSHELL

History In A Nutshell Shorts

John Dillinger - Public Enemy $1 Taken Down

SC AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY CALENDAR HONOREES

View Lesson Plans Here

WHAT'S WILD

Bobcats

Did you know Bobcats can be found on Kiawah Island? Every year Wildlife Management of the Town of Kiawah Island conducts research on their local bobcat population by catching them with live animal traps. Research is used to combat rodenticides harming these apex predators.

Carolina Heelsplitter

South Carolina's freshwater ecosystems are a lifeline for countless species, providing clean water, habitat, and a delicate balance essential for biodiversity. In these serene waters, the Carolina Heelsplitter, a small yet significant freshwater mussel, makes its home. Unfortunately, this remarkable species faces numerous challenges, from habitat destruction to pollution, threatening its very existence. However, dedicated conservation efforts are underway, striving to restore and protect the heelsplitter's dwindling population and the health of our vital waterways in the wild.

Gopher Frogs

The Coastal Plain of South Carolina is an ecologically rich landscape stretching from the inland sandhills to the coastal marshes along the Atlantic Ocean. This vast expanse, characterized by its flat terrain and diverse wetland systems, harbors a mosaic of unique habitats. Among these, the longleaf pine forests, cypress swamps, and mysterious Carolina bays create a haven for an extraordinary array of wildlife. Here, hidden within this intricate ecosystem, lives one of nature's most elusive and fascinating creatures – the Gopher Frog. Adapted to thrive in the isolated, ephemeral wetlands and sandy soils of the Coastal Plain, these remarkable amphibians face a perilous existence. Despite their remarkable adaptability, Gopher Frogs are now teetering on the brink of extinction mainly due to the loss of seasonal wetland habitat used for breeding. But hope is not lost. Through remarkable collaboration efforts, dedicated biologists and conservationists are employing innovative strategies to give these amphibians a fighting chance at survival in the wild.