A Year of Black History at Richland Library

Richland Library will present a series of black history and women’s history programs from January – March 2022 to serve audiences of all ages. The programs will kick-off with a special event at Hyatt Park in Columbia on Saturday, January 29th, the “It’s a Gullah Geechee Celebration!” This programming was supported with funding from a Growth Grant from South Carolina Humanities. Funding for the Growth Grants has been provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

The “It’s a Gullah Geechee Celebration!” will offer a variety of programs and opportunities for attendees, including experiencing African drumming and dance and seeing the creation of sweetgrass baskets and other forms of Gullah artwork. Featured guests include Congressman James Clyburn; Mrs. Natalie Daise, widely known for hosting the television program “Gullah Gullah Island” with her husband Ron Daise; Aunt Pearlie Sue, a native of Beaufort and entertainer who shares Gullah-flavored folktales; and the Black Cownoys of Rembert, SC. There will be a Richland Library craft area and other presentations throughout the event. The “It’s a Gullah Geechee Celebration!” event will take place at Hyatt Park, located at 950 Jackson  Ave, Columbia, SC 29203, from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Additional programming includes:

February 1 – 28 | Southeast Branch
Everyday is a Celebration
Stop by Southeast in February to see our daily tributes honoring the contributions of African-Americans in STEAM, politics, movies, medicine, military and more.
7421 Garners Ferry Rd, Columbia, SC 29209

10 – 10:30 a.m. | Thursdays, February 3, 10, 17, 24 | Ballentine Branch
Outdoor Family Storytime: Black History Month Edition for all ages
In recognition of Black History Month join us for a fresh air, socially-distanced Storytime as we read great stories and sing great songs to celebrate!
1200 Dutch Fork Rd, Irmo, SC 29063

6:30 – 8 p.m. | Thursday, February 10 | Online
Barbershop Talk: UNMASKED

Explore A Year of Black History during this unscripted conversation with men of color. Invite your sons and other males to hear life vicariously seen through the male viewpoint of yesteryears, todays, and tomorrows. You are invited too.
Register online: https://www.richlandlibrary.com/event/34007/register#eventRegisterRoot

7 p.m. | Friday, February 18 | Online
Evening Arts: A Soulful Evening with Cheri Maree
Sit back and relax with the family while you enjoy the sounds of Cheri Maree. Affectionately known as “The Love Goddess,” she is transforming hearts with music. Her musical style is an eclectic melting pot of Soul including jazz, rock, soul, gospel, blues, R&B and more.
Tune in to Richland Library’s Facebook page for this special Black History Month edition of Evening Arts at 7 p.m. 

6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Thursday, February 24 | Online
AFRO: A Mirrored ReFLEXion!

Join us for a discussion of the disparities facing the AFRO-Latinx and African-American communities. The hair styles, healthcare, gerrymandering, racial profiling, language, the color of their skin and more. Moderated by Tanya Rodriguez-Hodges, Latino Communications.
Register online: https://www.richlandlibrary.com/event/34171/register#eventRegisterRoot

11 a.m. | Saturday, February 26 | Main
Mr. Darion and the Magic Purple Circle

Get ready to HOLLA with everyone’s favorite storyteller, Mr. Darion! Bring the whole family for stories, songs, and big fun on the Hampton Street Plaza.
1431 Assembly St, Columbia, SC 29201

6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Thursday, March 3 | Online
A Seat at the All-White Table: Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion

Join us for a candid conversation on race, gender, and the wage gap during Women’s History Month. Moderated by Cynthia Hardy, OnPoint.
Register: https://www.richlandlibrary.com/event/34688/register#eventRegisterRoot

6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Sunday, March 6 | Online
A Candid Conversation with Dr. Cornel West
Join us as we honor A Year of Black History with a candid conversation with the American philosopher, political activist, Grammy-award winner, artist, actor, author and intellectual. Moderated by Dr. Todd Shaw, UofSC African-American Studies Program. For more information on Dr. West, please visit www.GPSspeakers.com.
Co-sponsored by SC Humanities Council, UofSC African American Studies Program and the UofSC Institute for African American Research.
Register: https://www.richlandlibrary.com/event/34921/register#eventRegisterRoot

Richland Library is recognized locally, nationally, and internationally for leading the profession in redefining what it means to be a public library critical to the community’s success, livability, and resilience. Our mission is to help our customers learn, create, and share. Learn more: https://www.richlandlibrary.com/event/2022-01-29/its-gullah-geechee-celebration.

The mission of SC Humanities is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. Established in 1973, this 501(c) 3 organization is governed by a volunteer 21-member Board of Directors comprised of community leaders from throughout the state. It presents and/or supports literary initiatives, lectures, exhibits, festivals, publications, oral history projects, videos and other humanities-based experiences that directly or indirectly reach more than 250,000 citizens annually.