S.C. State museum to host exhibit for Black History Month

The public is invited, and admission is free.

As Sankofa curator, Angela Jennings has traveled throughout the U.S., the U.S. Virgin Islands, West Africa and Europe to amass a collection of art, collectibles and memorabilia that rivals many traditional museums.

The exhibit is a testament to the vast contributions African Americans have made to this country and to the world.

“The Office of Student Life and Leadership is excited to collaborate with the museum to offer our students a rich and immersive experience celebrating Black History Month,” said Dr. Franklin Pressley, director of S.C. State’s Office Student Life and Leadership. “By collaborating with the museum, we can create a multifaceted and immersive experience that celebrates the rich heritage of Black history and culture during Black History Month.”

“This partnership offers our students a unique opportunity to learn, engage, and connect with the important stories and contributions of the Black community,” Pressley said. “Together, we can foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of Black history that extends beyond the confines of the classroom.”

More about the exhibit

As a part of the exhibit, Jennings presents stories and dramatizations about selected periods and historical figures to allow those in the audience to experience both the pain and the pride of the history portrayed. Additionally, she is always anxious to respond to individual questions from those viewing the exhibit.

Spanning the period of 1860 to the present, Sankofa takes audiences on a journey through slavery, the era of King Cotton and the uplifting days of Emancipation. It also tells the stories of such notables as Ida B. Wells, the Negro Baseball League, the Tuskegee Airmen and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. One of the highlights of Sankofa is its unique display of inventions by African Americans.

The Ghanaian term, Sankofa, tells us to “use the wisdom of the past to build the future.” Jennings and her African American Museum on Wheels epitomizes the meaning of the term by educating, enlightening, and empowering young and old alike with living history.

For more information, contact Ingrid Owens McMillan, director of the I.P. Stanback Museum and Planetarium at iowens2@scsu.edu.