Black History Month 2017

The Association for the Study of African American Life and Culture (ASALH) has chosen on the crucial role of education in the history of African Americans as its 2017 Black History Month theme. ASALH's executive summary states in part: 

The crisis in black education first began in the days of slavery when it was unlawful for slaves to learn to read and write. In pre-Civil War northern cities, free blacks were forced as children to walk long distances past white schools on their way to the one school relegated solely to them. Whether by laws, policies, or practices, racially separated schools remained the norm in America from the late nineteenth century well into our own time.... Yet, African American history is rich in centuries-old efforts of resistance to this crisis: the slaves’ surreptitious endeavors to learn; the rise of black colleges and universities after the Civil War; unrelenting battles in the courts; the black history movement; the freedom schools of the 1960s; and local community-based academic and mentorship programs that inspire a love of learning and thirst for achievement. Addressing the crisis in black education should be

considered one of the most important goals in America’s past, present, and future.

 

The BDC has some materials lists about the 2017 theme for this important annual celebration: 

(Beaufort District Collection)

"Missionary Teachers to the Freedmen" http://bit.ly/18Mrt0F  

"Charlotte Forten" http://bit.ly/1oDy6e8

"Rachel C. Mather" http://bit.ly/1paZgEz

"Laura M. Towne" http://bit.ly/1PR1p6m

One of the hallmarks of the life of Robert Smalls was state legislation he sponsored to establish public schools open to all children in South Carolina. Read more about this local hero http://bit.ly/1pLy0Na

Penn School was one of the first schools to teach the newly freed enslaved. We have a list of materials and links about this historic educational institution for African-Americans, too. http://bit.ly/1iHN4r9

(BTW: The Beaufort County Historical Society, Coastal Discovery Museum, Mitchelville Preservation Project, and Tabernacle Baptist Church are co-sponsoring a presentation about Robert Smalls by Donald Sweeper on Friday, February 17, 2017. Fee.) 

You may like to enter the World of a Civil War Missionary Laura Towne with Jeff Bridgers from the Library of Congress http://1.usa.gov/1OVpryc

We have programs and displays this month and into March to highlight local Black History: 

“GRAVE-YARD TRADITIONS” EXHIBIT

Wednesday, February 1 – Friday, March 31| 9 am – 5 pm, Mondays through Fridays | Beaufort District Collection, 311 Scott Street, 2^nd floor lobby, Beaufort | Age 12 – Adult

A four panel exhibit on loan from Celebrate Bluffton, Inc. explores cultural expressions found within African-American cemeteries.

“RESEARCHING AN AFRICAN-AMERICAN FAMILY”

Saturday, February 18 at 1:00 PM | BDC@ St. Helena Branch, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Rd. | Teens and Adults

Be inspired! Experienced researchers Kimberly Morgan and Akosua Moore update what they’ve learned about a former slave and his many descendants through family lore, government records, and library materials. They offer tips to help you get started uncovering your own roots. Co-sponsor: Beaufort History Museum. Register:  http://www.beauforthistorymuseum.com “Events”

  


“BLACK HISTORY MONTH" DISPLAY   
Mondays, Thursdays, & Fridays in February & March | 9 am – 5 pm | Beaufort District Collection, 311 Scott Street, 2^nd floor, Beaufort | Age 12 – Adult

View a selected sample of the many Black History related materials we have in our collection.