What is being celebrated this February in Charleston, SC?

Charleston, SC, is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Black History Month through various arts and cultural events this February.

What are the historical origins of Black History Month?

Black History Month originated from "Negro History Week," established by historian Carter G. Woodson on February 7, 1926. This week was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Negro History Week later expanded to become Black History Month in 1976.

Which local organizations are hosting arts events in Charleston?

The Charleston County Public Library (CCPL), the College of Charleston, the MOJA Arts Festival, the International African American Museum (IAAM), the Town of Mount Pleasant, the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department, and the Colour of Music Festival are among the local organizations hosting arts events in Charleston.

What kind of arts events are offered by the Charleston County Public Library?

The Charleston County Public Library offers special programs, book displays, and an art exhibit featuring Jonathan Green and John Jones at the Wando Mt. Pleasant Library. The St. Paul's Hollywood Library is hosting a Movie Matinee Series, and the Dart Library offers a "Make Art Like a Legend" program.

What kind of arts and cultural programming is available at the College of Charleston?

The College of Charleston offers self-guided tours of the Avery Research Center, scholarly discussions, and book reading circles. They also host a "State of Black CofC Summit" focused on enhancing student life and faculty/staff interaction.

What arts performances are part of the MOJA Arts Festival's Black History Month celebration?

The MOJA Arts Festival is featuring a dance performance by the Collage Dance Collective, including a neoclassical ballet based on Zora Neale Hurston's novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God." They also present "Voices of Carolina: The Power of Our Stories," with musical and spoken word interpretations.

February 10, 2026

Charleston Celebrates a Century of Black History Through Arts

Charleston, SC, February 10, 2026

In February, Charleston is alive with an array of arts and cultural events honoring the 100th anniversary of Black History Month. The community emphasizes the importance of local leadership and civic engagement in celebrating African American contributions. Events include art exhibits at the Charleston County Public Library, performances by the Collage Dance Collective, and various educational programs at the College of Charleston, highlighting the rich history and narratives of African Americans.

Charleston, SC

Charleston Honors a Century of Black History Through Vibrant Arts

Charleston’s dynamic community is coming alive this February with an array of arts and cultural events, all part of a nationwide observance marking the 100th anniversary of Black History Month. These celebrations underscore the power of personal initiative and local leadership in fostering robust civic engagement and cultural appreciation across Charleston County and beyond.

The origins of this significant observance trace back to February 7, 1926, when historian Carter G. Woodson established “Negro History Week” to deepen the study and scholarship of African American history. This week was intentionally chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, figures pivotal to African American history who had already been celebrated by Black communities since the late 19th century. The movement, which grew from grassroots organizing and intellectual efforts, expanded to Black History Month in 1976. As 2026 marks a century since its inception, communities like Charleston are reflecting on a powerful tradition of remembrance and education.

A Spectrum of Local Arts and Culture

Charleston’s dedication to honoring this centennial is evident through a diverse calendar of events curated by various local organizations. These initiatives, driven by community choice and partnership, offer residents and visitors alike a chance to engage with the rich heritage and contributions of African Americans. Many of these events highlight how local leadership and individual achievements contribute to a vibrant cultural landscape, enriching the South Carolina SC gatherings scene.

Public Libraries Champion Art and Literacy

The Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) is a central hub for celebrations throughout February, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the national observance. Special programs, engaging book displays, and an art exhibit featuring the works of celebrated artists Jonathan Green and John Jones are available at the Wando Mt. Pleasant Library throughout the month. John Jones’s work captures everyday Lowcountry moments with realism, while Jonathan Green’s art, recognized internationally for over forty years, honors Southern and African American culture. Furthermore, the St. Paul’s Hollywood Library is hosting a Movie Matinee Series, screening films like “Hidden Figures” and “The Color Purple”. The Dart Library offers a “Make Art Like a Legend” program, inspiring creativity and cultural exploration. These library initiatives demonstrate a commitment to accessible education and cultural enrichment for all Charleston County community members.

Academic Institutions Engage with History and Art

The College of Charleston is hosting a comprehensive series of events throughout February, emphasizing the profound contributions of African Americans to both local and national narratives. Among the offerings are self-guided tours of the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture, which was founded in 1865 and has spent decades collecting art and archival materials documenting the history and traditions of African Americans. The College also features scholarly discussions, such as “EXU Logic: Contributions to Education and Emancipation,” and book reading circles discussing works like “Harlem Rhapsody” by Victoria Christopher Murray. Civic engagement is a key theme, with events like a “State of Black CofC Summit” designed to foster dialogue and strategize on improving experiences for Black faculty, staff, and students. These efforts exemplify how academic institutions, through dedicated programming, significantly contribute to civic innovation in Charleston.

Performing Arts Spotlight African American Narratives

The MOJA Arts Festival is extending its reach beyond its traditional fall schedule to offer significant events during Black History Month. A highlight includes a dynamic dance performance by the Collage Dance Collective at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. This performance features a neoclassical ballet based on Zora Neale Hurston’s seminal 1937 novel, “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” a classic tale exploring themes of freedom and self-realization. Additionally, the festival is presenting “Voices of Carolina: The Power of Our Stories” at the Dock Street Theatre, featuring musical and spoken word interpretations inspired by the same novel. These events showcase how private partnerships and artistic endeavors can powerfully illuminate African American experiences, enriching the Charleston SC events calendar with meaningful cultural expressions.

Community-Wide Celebrations and Exhibitions

Beyond the larger institutions, several local government and community organizations are contributing to the month-long commemoration. The International African American Museum (IAAM) is hosting a forum on February 7, engaging representatives of Black Legacy organizations in discussions aligned with the 2026 National Theme: “A Century of Black History Commemorations”. The Town of Mount Pleasant is organizing free, family-friendly events every Saturday in February, including concerts and storytelling sessions, promoting broad community engagement. The City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department is offering a range of events at the Park Circle Community Building, from a group art exhibition to a theatrical performance of “Septima” by PURE Theatre. Furthermore, the Colour of Music Festival is presenting a concert series with classical and orchestral performances, adding to the diverse artistic offerings available across the Charleston area. These diverse efforts underscore the widespread personal initiative and collaboration that make Charleston’s Black History Month truly special.

Fostering Growth Through Shared Understanding

The multitude of events celebrating the 100th anniversary of Black History Month in Charleston reflects a community deeply invested in its past, present, and future. By highlighting civic innovation, personal initiative, and local leadership, these diverse programs not only celebrate individual achievements but also foster a collective understanding crucial for sustained community growth. Supporting these local events and remaining engaged in community development strengthens the fabric of Charleston and ensures that vital narratives continue to inspire and educate for generations to come.

Key Features of Charleston’s Black History Month Arts Events

Feature	Description	Scope
Commemoration	100th anniversary of Negro History Week, which evolved into Black History Month.	Nationwide / Local Context
Library Programs	Art exhibits by Jonathan Green and John Jones, movie matinees, and art workshops at Charleston County Public Library branches.	Local (Charleston County)
Academic Events	Self-guided tours of Avery Research Center, scholarly discussions, book talks, and a “State of Black CofC Summit” at the College of Charleston.	Local (College of Charleston)
Performing Arts	Dance performance by Collage Dance Collective (ballet based on “Their Eyes Were Watching God”) and “Voices of Carolina: The Power of Our Stories” by MOJA Arts Festival.	Local (Charleston)
Community Engagement	Forum by IAAM, family-friendly events in Mount Pleasant, art exhibitions and theatrical performances in North Charleston, and Color of Music Festival concerts.	Local (Charleston Area)