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

Race Relations During The World War I Era
Episode 22

Video

Viewer Discretion Is Advised Dr. Kathryn Silva on racial relations between Whites and African Americans during World War I, and the days of Jim Crow.
Civil Rights And The Great War
Episode 23

Video

Viewer Discretion Is Advised Dr. Kathryn Silva talks about how civil rights for African Americans progressed during World War I.