USCB African American History Month

USCB African American History Month 2026: Passport to Freedom 250

In recognition of the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence, USCB’s 2026 African American History Month series highlights 250 years of African American history, heritage, and cultural impact in the South Carolina Lowcountry. The centerpiece of the series is a 25-site "Passport to Freedom" booklet, inviting participants in and around the USCB community to explore local sites, reflect, and collect commemorative stamps.

✔ In-person & virtual options
✔ Open to students, faculty, staff & community
✔ Prizes awarded for participation

Events & Registration | Passport | Past Events | Library Guide | Social Media

African American History Month Description

In 1986, the US Congress passed legislation that designated February as African American History Month, with three primary purposes: (1) raise awareness of African American history (2), acknowledge contributions of African Americans to the American story; and (3), stimulate interest in learning and apply lessons from African American history for all Americans. For the past ten years, USCB has hosted a comprehensive series of events for our campus and Beaufort community members in celebration of African American History Month.

AAHM 2026 Events & Virtual Attendance Links

AAHM 2026 Events Calendar Graphic Click for PDF

See below for events and registration links to events - be sure to check this site regularly for updates!

SERIES KICKOFF EVENTS
Pick up your passport • Learn about the sites • Contest participation details • Reception with refreshments

Monday, February 2, 2026 | 6pm - 7pm
Beaufort Campus (2nd Floor Meeting Room) — 1211 Newcastle Street, Beaufort, SC 29920 (UPDATE: This event will be hosted online only due to weather)
Zoom: Attend here.

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 | 6pm - 7pm
Bluffton Campus (Hargray Lobby) — 1 University Blvd., Bluffton, SC 29909
Zoom: Attend here.

CAMPUS & COMMUNITY EVENTS

Freedom Day at Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park
Saturday, February 7, 2026 | 11am

Orangeburg Massacre Commemoration
Sunday, February 8, 2026

Scavenger Hunt at the Library (USCB Bluffton Campus)
Monday, February 9, 2026 | 1-4pm

Beaufort County School District African American History Education Conference (AAHEC)
Thursday, February 12 - Saturday, February 14, 2026 | Register
USCB students attend at no additional charge

Douglass Day at USCB
Friday, February 13, 2026 | 12noon - 3:00pm, Hargray 162

Gullah Geechee Roots of Black History at St. Helena Island Branch Library
Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 5:30pm

Harvesting Heritage at Penn Center
Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 10:30am - 2:30pm & 6:00pm - 8:30pm

SERIES CLOSING & AWARDS RECEPTIONS
Celebrate participation • Awards & recognition • Reception with refreshments

Thursday, February 26, 2026 | 6pm - 7pm
Bluffton Campus — Hargray Lobby
Zoom: Attend here.

Friday, February 27, 2026 | 6pm - 7pm
Beaufort Campus — Newcastle Building, 2nd Floor Meeting Room
Zoom: Attend here.

Please use #AFAMUSCB for your social media posts.

ASALH is the national organization where African American History Month began. Their virtual events may be viewed on ASALH's event calendar.

Passport to Freedom 250

USCB African American History Month 2026. Passport to Freedom: 250 Years of African American History in the South Carolina Lowcountry PDF Click for PDF

Participation & Prizes FAQ

Who can participate?

All students, faculty, staff, and community members are welcome to participate. Only current USCB students are eligible to compete for participation prizes.

How do I get a passport?

Pick one up at a kickoff event or designated campus locations (USCB Libraries, African American Student Association club officers, or the offices of Drs. Chelsea Jimenez or Najmah Thomas) while supplies last.

How do I complete the passport?

Visit listed sites in person or virtually and complete the reflection prompts in your passport.

Do I need to visit every site?

No. You may visit as many sites as you choose. Prizes are awarded based on the number of completed sites.

How do stamps work?

USCB uses one commemorative stamp/sticker for all sites. Stamps/stickers are provided after reviewing completed reflections.

What if a site is self-guided or virtual?

That still counts! Complete the reflection and show documentation if requested.

How do I qualify for prizes?

Only current USCB students are eligible to compete for participation prizes. During the final week of the series, register your passport using the online completion form to show the number of sites visited.

When are prizes awarded?

Prizes and recognition are announced at the Series Closing & Awards Reception. Current USCB students must be present (in-person or virtually) at one of the closing events (Hargray or Newcastle location) to receive a prize.

What if I lose my passport?

Contact the series coordinator as soon as possible for assistance.

2026 Passport to Freedom Sites - 25 Locations

Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park
40 Harriet Tubman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Harriet Tubman & Robert Smalls Monuments at Tabernacle Baptist Church
901 Craven Street, Beaufort, SC 29902
Daufuskie Island Historic District
Daufuskie Island, SC
Garvin-Garvey House
63 Wharf Street, Bluffton, SC 29910
The Emancipation Oak at Camp Saxton
27 Pinckney Boulevard, Port Royal, SC 29935
Penn Center National Historic Landmark District
16 Penn Center Circle East, St. Helena Island, SC 29920
The Mather School Interpretive Center at Technical College of the Lowcountry
921 Ribaut Road TCL Campus, Building 1 Beaufort, SC 29901
Robert Smalls Leadership Academy
43 W. K. Alston Drive, Beaufort, SC 29906
Cherry Hill School
210 Dillon Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
USCB Historic Beaufort Campus Mural & Historical Markers
801 Carteret Street, Beaufort, SC 29902
Central Oak Grove Baptist Church
161 Mathews Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Gullah Geechee Welcome Center / LyBensons' Gallery
870 Sea Island Parkway, St. Helena Island, SC 29920
Wesley United Methodist Church
701 West Street, Beaufort, SC 29902
Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island
12 Georgianna Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Ma Daisy's Porch
1255 May River Road, Bluffton, SC 29910
Harriet Tubman Combahee Riber Memorial Bridge
US-17, Yemassee, SC 29945
Grand Army Hall
706 Newcastle Street, Beaufort, SC 29902
Beaufort National Cemetary
1601 Boundary Street, Beaufort, SC 29902
Historic Fort Howell
160 Beach City Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Cecil Williams SC Civil Rights Museum
1865 Lake Drive, Orangeburg, SC 29115
International African American Museum
14 Wharfside Street, Charleston, SC 29401 & Virtual
Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor
Virtual only
Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce
711 Bladen Street, Beaufort, SC 29902
Gullah Geechee Futures Project
Virtual Only
Lands End Woodland Beach
Lands End Woodland Beach, SC 29920 & Virtual