Georgetown County Library prepares for month of Black history events

GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)–Many municipalities across the Lowcountry celebrate Black History Month by teaching the heritage and rich culture of African American people, and in Georgetown, officials are highlighting the foundation of Gullah Geechee.

Georgetown County is celebrating Black history with events focused on educating the community about African American history and communities in the Lowcountry.

“We’re also taking the time to showcase the Gullah Geechee culture here, as well as black history as a whole, through our books, programs, staff, excitement, and knowledge we share with the people,” said Jo’Vonna Davis, a videographer and social media manager for Georgetown County Libraries.

Georgetown County Library received a $30,000 grant last year that will go toward programs to help showcase traditions and help people better understand Southern history. Officials said the funds are only eligible for cultural items and events such as books and guest speakers.

Dan Sachs, a volunteer at the library who was also a former guitarist for the late Bob Marley, told News 2 he was impacted by learning the different genres of music started by the ancestors of African Americans.

“I’ve always been in a culturally diverse way, and a mixture of people and music styles, and that’s kind of helped me. It’s just a way of life.”

The Georgetown Library will host several events throughout the month to celebrate the area’s rich history. It’s something residents say is very important and should never be forgotten.

Events and Details:

• February 12: Author, performing artist, and cultural interpreter Ron Daise will engage participants in a scripted exchange about his new historical novel, ” Raptors in the Ricelands.” The story is set in a 21st-century fictional community in Georgetown. Through reading book excerpts, songs, poetry, and information about his creative process, Daise will inform about Gullah-Geechee’s history, culture, and legacy. 

• February 19: The Plantation Singers of Charleston will deliver a live concert of Lowcountry spirituals. Formed in 1996, they are a professional cappella singing group renowned locally, nationally, and internationally for performing the Lowcountry music. 

• February 26: Bright Star Touring Theatre will offer a theatrical performance that is equally educational and entertaining. “Freedom Songs: The Music of Black History” follows the compelling story of the role that music played in the history of Black Americans, from the work songs of the fields of people who were enslaved to ragtime, jazz, R&B, and the spirituals of the Civil Rights movement. Meet incredible Americans like Scott Joplin, Billie Holiday, Little Richard, and more in a tale that will intrigue audiences of all ages (note this is the one show that deviates from the 4 p.m. timeframe). 

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News Flash • Series celebrates Lowcountry African-American h