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

3D VR - Lamar High School Gymnasium | Let's Go!
3D VR - Lamar High School Gymnasium | Let's Go!

Interactive

Lamar High School in Darlington County, South Carolina, was the site of an attack on school buses carrying African American students to the campus on March 3, 1970. In January 1970, the 4th Circuit...
3D VR - Lamar High School | Let's Go!
3D VR - Lamar High School | Let's Go!

Interactive

Lamar High School in Darlington County, South Carolina, was the site of an attack on school buses carrying African American students to the campus on March 3, 1970. In January 1970, the 4th Circuit...
Lamar High School Photo Gallery | Let's Go!
Lamar High School Photo Gallery | Let's Go!

Photo

Lamar High School in Darlington County, South Carolina, was the site of an attack on school buses carrying African American students to the campus on March 3, 1970. In January 1970, the 4th Circuit...
The Education of Harvey Gantt Learning Activity
The Education of Harvey Gantt Learning Activity

Document

In 1960, a talented African-American student from Charleston, Harvey Gantt, graduated from high school and decided to become an architect. Clemson College was the only school in South Carolina that...
Charlie's Place Learning Activity
Charlie's Place Learning Activity

Document

In the African American Carver Street neighborhood of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, music at Charlie’s Place brought people together during Segregation. The owner, Charlie Fitzgerald, welcomed White...
Penn Center Overview | Let's Go!

Video

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...
Born To Rebel, Driven To Excel Learning Activity
Born To Rebel, Driven To Excel Learning Activity

Document

Dr. Benjamin Mays, educator, minister, and scholar, is seen as one of the most significant figures in American history. His influence of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., would cause America to change its...