Penn Center Heritage Days History Symposium, November 8
The Heritage Days Symposium Subcommittee, in partnership with The Pat Conroy Literary Center, is hosting the 2024 History Symposium: Where It All Began on Friday, November 8, in Frissell Community House on the Penn Center campus. The symposium focuses on the historical impact of the Gullah Geechee culture from Africa to present day Beaufort, South Carolina. Registration is from 8:00 a.m. – 8:50 a.m. with sessions starting at 9:00 a.m. Advance and at-the-door registration is $35, which includes a light breakfast and lunch.
Learn more and register in advance at https://whereitallbegan.eventbrite.com.
This year’s presenters include Dr. Louis Venters, Francis Marion University Professor of African and African Diaspora History; Michael B. Moore, candidate for the SC House of Representatives District 1 and great-great grandson of the legendary Robert Smalls; Dr. Valinda Littlefield, University of South Carolina Associate Professor of History; and Bradley Tarrance, Robert Smalls Leadership Academy Principal.
The program also includes special performances by the St. Helena Elementary School African Drumming Ensemble, the Robert Smalls Leadership Academy Choir, Gary Sterling, internationally acclaimed St. Helena native, and soloist, Louis Venters. On behalf of Penn Center, Mrs. Deloris Pringle, Chair of the Board of Trustees, will welcome participants. As the founder of Penn Center Harvest Day, Dr. Emory Campbell, former Executive Director of Penn Center, and Emeritus Trustee, will introduce a special video presentation Gullah Geechee Celebration: 40 Years of Heritage Days at Penn Center by Tendaji Bailey, Executive producer and Co-director. Other special guests include SC House Representative Michael Rivers and Dr. Frank Rodriquez, Beaufort County School District Superintendent.
A book signing session organized by the Pat Conroy Literary Center will feature books authored by the presenters and special guest Lynn Bryant and Dr. Emory Campbell.
There will also be information tables provided by the Beaufort County Awareness Group, Beaufort History Museum, The Pat Conroy Literary Center, DAYLO: Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization, Penn Center Heritage Days Planning Committee, Beaufort County School District, St. Helena Elementary School, and Robert Smalls Leadership Academy.
In celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Heritage Days, Where It All Began offers participants a unique opportunity to explore, understand, and appreciate the historical and cultural contributions of the Gullah Geechee people from ancient times to present day.
