Recognizing Black History

Black history has been recognized nationally in February since 1926 when "Negro History Week" was established by Dr. Carter G. Woodson. The child of former slaves, Woodson progressed to earning a Ph.D. from Harvard University and recognized the lack of historical documentation of Blacks.

February was noted for the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas who were prominent in influencing the course of history. Numerous additional dates during February relate to noteworthy events and accomplishments in the timeline of African American history.

Black History Month is especially important here because of the significance of Black history in the shaping of our cultural landscape. Freed slaves established the village of Mitchelville in what is now Hilton Head. It had its own government and the first mandatory education system, and this was even before the president had signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

Check our calendar of events and celebrate this and every month in the South Carolina Lowcountry.