Black History Month
Black History Month celebrates the many achievements and contributions made by African-Americans to our economic, cultural, spiritual, and political development. Every Saturday during the month of February, there are a series of free events that focus on the African-American history and Gullah heritage of Mount Pleasant. This year, the Town of Mount Pleasant Historical Commission celebrated its 5th annual Black History Month!
February 2, 2019
The first event was a presentation on a report titled The State of Racial Disparities in Charleston County, South Carolina 2000-2015. This report provides an educational perspective of racial inequality in Charleston County from 2000 to 2015. The presentation was followed by a discussion between Barney Blakeney, Heather Hodges, and Patricia Williams Lessane, PhD, facilitated by Daron Lee Calhoun.
February 9, 2019
The Plantation Singers performed for Black History Month for the fifth straight year! With their energetic performances, the Plantation Singers play an important role in the preservation of the Gullah spirituals and the sacred music of the South Carolina Lowcountry. They are one of the Southeast's most popular a cappella and percussion singing groups and have performed all over the world.
February 16, 2019
This event consisted of three presentations with musical performances in between. Kevin Tolbert, Charleston native, now retired, spoke about his experience as United States Supreme Court librarian. Rosalee Washington and Christine Hampton spoke about the history of Lincolnville and presented traditionally stitched quilts. Dr. Rose Delores Gibbs was the first female American-American to graduate from MUSC. She spoke about the challenges she faced and gave advice to African-Americans interested in pursuing a career in medicine.
February 23, 2019
The last Black History Month event was an evening of spirituals, pop, and jazz. Alphonso Brown and The Mt. Zion Spiritual Singers performed traditional "camp meeting" style songs. Camp meeting songs are Gullah spirituals usually only a couple lines sung repetitively with a refrain. Chris Williams, member of award-winning band, Plane Jane, closed the night on his saxophone. He received a standing ovation!
Be sure to tune in next February for all new great events as Mount Pleasant Historical Commission celebrates its sixth annual Black History Month!
