Amanda Gorman recites her inaugural poem, “The Hill We Climb,” during the 59th Presidential Inauguration ceremony in Washington, Jan. 20, 2021. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took the oath of office on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol. (DOD Photo by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Carlos M. Vazquez II)
And Still, We Rise
Welcome to our 2021 Black History program this year as recognize one of the most celebrated cultural heritage months on the calendar. Black History Month is a federally recognized celebration of the contributions African Americans have made to this country and a time to reflect on the continued struggle for racial justice. Since 2015, the Blythewood Historical Society and Museum has celebrated the lives and achievements of African Americans in honor of Black History Week. Our past programs have allowed us to recognize the achievements of many African Americans as well as pay to homage to our own African American citizens right here in our community of Blythewood and the metro Columbia area.
This year, as a result of the COVID-19 virus, we are not able to have an in-person event. Instead, we are happy to present to you this virtual program that we believe you will find to be educational and entertaining.
READ MOREFOCUSING ON THOSE WHO ADVANCED CIVILIZATION
The Origin of Black History
Carter G. Woodson, known as the “Father of Black History,” developed Black History Month. Woodson, whose parents were enslaved, was an author, historian and the second African American to earn a Ph.D at Harvard University. As the son of slaves, he spent his childhood working in coal mines and quarries.
Read why February was chosen and more
THE ONLY WAY FORWARD IS THROUGH, TOGETHER
“Where can we find light in this never-ending shade?”
We are pleased to feature the poem and video of Amanda Gorman, the 22 year old Poet Laureat who read her poem at the 2021 Presidential inauguration of Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Amanda echoed, in dynamic and propulsive verse, the same theme woven into President Biden’s inaugral message, that of unity, healing, grief and hope, albeit the painful and honest message of our America experience and the redemptive power of American ideals.
Watch and listen to the poemLISTEN TO YOUR NEIGHBORS’ STORIES
Hear the stories of Silvia, Olivia, Doris, Fannie, and Theresa. We invite you to also become a part of this digital vocal history by recording your own story that will become a part of the historical legacy of documented stories.
Listen to the stories
StoryCorps’ mission is to preserve and share humanity’s stories in order to build connections between people and create a more just and compassionate world. Stories are archived in the Folklore Center at the Library of Congress.
SHARE YOUR OWN STORY
You can record your own story with the StoryCorps app on your smartphone or by visiting the StoryCorp Connect website
Record your ownSC ETV BLYTHEWOOD SERIES
Blythewood natives share their memories in video
Watch Constelena Kelly, Ruby Brice, Dorothy Wilson, Francis Davis, Naomi & Matty.
WATCH
The Black Church, a 2-Part PBS Series by Henry Louis Gates Jr.
The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song is a moving four-hour, two-part series from executive producer, host and writer Henry Louis Gates, Jr., the Alphonse Fletcher University Professor at Harvard University and director of the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research, that traces the 400-year-old story of the Black church in America, all the way down to its bedrock role as the site of African American survival and grace, organizing and resilience, thriving and testifying, autonomy and freedom, solidarity and speaking truth to power.
THE SERIESADMIRAL REUBIN BOOKERT
“Never let anyone put limits on your achievement.”
Columbia native and Blythewood resident Rear Admiral Reubin B. Bookert is featured in this film from SC ETV’s African American History Calendar.
WATCH
THE RIGHT TO VOTE
How one man fought South Carolina Democrats to end whites-only primaries – and why that matters now
By Dr. Bobby J. Donaldson, Associate Professor of History at The University of South Carolina George A. Elmore, a black business owner and civil rights activist, is little remembered despite his achievement. But a granite monument at his grave attests to the “unmatched courage, perseverance and personal sacrifice” that saw him take on the South Carolina Democratic Party of the 1940s over its whites-only primaries – and win.
READ THE STORYMusical Selections
Musical performances for the occasion: Black Violin performs “A-Flat” and Johnnie Fekder performs at The Arts at Shandon.
LISTEN