The
Hilton Head Sun
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February 4, 2026 • Volume 29, Issue 2 • Complimentary • HiltonHeadSun.com
USCB Presents “Passport to Freedom”
30th Annual Gullah Celebration 10A
2026 African American History Month
By Sasha Sweeney Editor
The University of South Carolina Beaufort will host a month-long series of events in February marking African American History Month and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The series, titled “2026 African American History Month: Passport to Freedom 250,” will highlight 250 years of African American history, heritage and cultural influence across the South Carolina Lowcountry. Events will take place both on and off campus and are open to students, faculty, staff and the general public. According to the university, the program is designed to encourage community engagement with historic sites, stories and legacies that have shaped both the region and the nation. A central feature of the series is a 25-site “Passport to Freedom” booklet that guides participants through significant local African American landmarks. Sites include Historic Mitchellville Freedom Park, the Penn Center National Historic Landmark District, the Harriet Tubman and Robert Smalls monuments and the Gullah Muse-
um of Hilton Head Island, among others. Participants may visit sites in person or virtually. Passports can be stamped at staffed locations, while selfies or screenshots may be used as verification for unstaffed or virtual visits. Reflection prompts are included throughout the booklet. The series will begin with two kickoff events, including one in Bluffton and one in Beaufort. Attendees will be able to pick up passports, learn about the featured sites and attend a community reception co-hosted by Dr. Najmah Thomas, coordinator of the university’s African American Studies program. Passports will also be available throughout the month at the Bluffton Campus Library and Beaufort Campus Library. Library staff will provide stamps for site visits verified through photos or screenshots of virtual participation. The celebration will conclude with recognition events later in the month, including prize awards for students who complete the highest number of site visits. The closing events are scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 26th, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Bluffton Campus Hargray Lobby and Friday, Feb. 27th, from 6 to 7 p.m. at
the Beaufort Campus Newcastle Building, second-floor meeting room. University of South Carolina Beaufort officials said the series is intended to engage the entire Lowcountry community in reflection, education and celebration. Additional information, including site descriptions and passport instructions, is available at www.uscb.edu/AAHM.
2026 Passport to Freedom Landmarks: Bluffton: •
Garvin-Garvey House 63 Wharf St, Bluffton, SC 29910
•
Ma Daisy’s Porch 1255 May River Rd, Bluffton, SC 29910
Night to Shine
18A
Be an Audubon citizen scientist
43A
Hilton Head Island: •
Central Oak Grove Baptist Church 161 Mathews Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC
FREEDOM CONT. ON PAGE 3
New animal rescue group aims to aid cats 56A