Every February, we have the opportunity to celebrate the achievements, contributions and events of African-Americans throughout U.S. history through Black History Month. This month, and honestly, all year round, families can come together to learn and honor the legacy of Black history, especially here in the Midlands. Here are four meaningful ways to celebrate Black History Month as a family.
1. Explore A Local Museum or African American History Tour
Take a walk with the family and explore the African American History Monument on the State House Grounds. You can also check out one of four African American History Tours offered at the Modjeska Monteith Simkins House and Mann-Simons Site. In addition, you could also go on the African American Heritage Sites Tour and explore Black history in Columbia. Not only do you get some great exercise exploring but these visits will also be both educational and inspiring for family members of all ages.
*Bonus: Create your own tour by checking out all the the Black art around Columbia.
2. Host A Family Movie Night
What’s better than a movie night with the family?! This month consider choosing a film that highlights Black history, culture, and achievements. There are numerous selections that touch on the civil rights movement, significant African-American individuals that changed the nation, Black art and culture, and much more. Choose an age-appropriate movie for your family, pop some popcorn and enjoy that movie! Use this opportunity to create an open dialogue that sparks conversations and brings some reflections afterwards.
3. Attend A Local Black History Event
Here in the Midlands there’s always something going on and that includes Black History Month events. Look for special events or performances happening throughout the month at local community centers, libraries, schools and universities. Here are a few fantastic events to check out:
- Historic Columbia Journey to Freedom: Throughout the month, Historic Columbia will be hosting their “Journey To Freedom” tour. “Journey To Freedom” guides its guests through two houses, each more than a century old. One housed a local Black entrepreneurial family and another belonged to human rights advocate Modjeska Simkins during the late-1800s. Bookings are available for Wednesday through Saturday. Visit historiccolumbia.org for more information, times, and tickets.
- Ernest Lee “The Chicken Man” at The Columbia S.C. Visitor’s Center: The Columbia Visitors Center will be featuring Columbia’s iconic “Chicken Man,” Ernest Lee. He will be there in the flesh with some of his iconic folk art for sale.
- When: Feb. 8, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Where: Columbia Visitors Center, 1120 Lincoln Street, Columbia, SC 29201
- Price: Free
- Letron Brantley and Friends Live! The Soul Jazz Experience: West Columbia’s own Jazz Bistro will be featuring Letron “L-Train” Brantley. A native of South Carolina, the saxophonist brings an electrifying experience to the venue where small bites such as crab cakes and craft cocktails are available for purchase. Visit chayzlounge.com
- When: Feb. 8, 8 p.m.
- Where: Chayz Lounge, 607 Meeting St, West Columbia, SC 29169
- Price: $30
- South Carolina Gospel Quartet Black History Celebration: The South Carolina Gospel Quartet will be hosting seven gospel artists and groups, including Doc McKenzie to celebrate Black History Month. The event also includes catering by local businesses at Ladson’s Chapel Baptist Church in Hopkins. Find tickets and more info at eventbrite.com
- When: Feb. 15, 3 p.m.
- Where: 7156 Cabin Creek Road, Hopkins, SC 29061
- Price: $20 advance, $25 at the door
- KevOnStage Back Pew Tour: NAACP Image Award winning comedian Kevin Fredericks is coming to Columbia. Fredericks is known for his Bald Brothers series, and other gospel-inspired crowd work comedy. Come ready to laugh with the crowd, or maybe even the crowd laugh at you. Visit kevonstage.com for more info.
- When: Feb. 21
- Where: Forward City Church, 7006 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC 29233
- Starting price: $37.50
- Richland Library will be hosting a variety of events. These include Storytime, a music listening party, Jubilee celebration, Hands on Art, and more! Check out their website for a full list of events.
4. Support A Black-Owned Business
Everyone has to eat. Why not make a special effort to have a family dinner at a local Black-owned restaurant? Some Black owned restaurants in Columbia include: The Toasty Hot Spot, Railroad BBQ, A Peace of Soul Vegan Kitchen, and Kiki’s Chicken & Waffles. It’s a particular favorite of my toddler, he loves their fluffy waffles.
You can also shop at a local Black-owned business. It not only supports Black entrepreneurship but you’re also contributing to a thriving local economy.
Celebrating Black History Month as a family is not only an opportunity to educate and inspire, but also a chance to foster compassion, understanding and appreciation for the contributions of Black individuals and communities in this country. It’s a reminder that Black History is and will always be American History.