Honoring the contributions of African Americans for Black History Month in Anderson County

Learn about the contributions of African Americans at Clemson University or attend a film festival to celebrate Black History Month around Anderson County.

February is the month more attention is paid to the accomplishments of African Americans because many of their achievements were left out of textbooks and the media for years.

Anderson County is changing that by holding events and programs to acknowledge African Americans.

Colleges, nonprofits and other groups are holding networking events and a spoken word contest this month.

Here are some Black History Month activities to attend.

Clemson holds 5K run for Black History Month

The Clemson University 5K run will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 18, starting at Carillon Garden and following a route past notable locations in the university's Black history.

The locations include Sikes Hall, Fort Hill, Woodland Cemetery, Andrew P. Calhoun Family Plot and African American Burial Ground.

The College of Arts and Humanities and Clemson Athletics are sponsors for this year's run.

"We look forward to seeing participants from last year again and welcoming new people to this family-friendly event that highlights an important part of Clemson history and honors Black people whose lives and labors have helped to ensure the university's success," said Rhondda Robinson Thomas, event organizer.

This year's 5K run will feature food trucks and a Black History Exhibit designed by Shelby Henderson and Nick McKinney, members of the "Call My Name" Coalition.

The coalition is a group researching and documenting the stories and contributions of the legacy of seven generations of people of African descent who played a role in the university's history.

All participants will receive a pamphlet with information about the 5K route, the Black Heritage Trail Project, and the history associated with one of the seven "Call My Name " generations.

To participate in the 5K "Call My Name," please visit the official website to complete the registration process. The website is callmyname.org

T.L. Hanna students hold film festival for Black History Month

T.L. Hanna High School's Black History Committee will host a film festival on Saturday, Feb. 24, located in the high school at 2600 N. Highway 81, Anderson.

"The Black Impact Past, Present, and Future" is this year's theme.

Heritage Horizons Film Festival will present a public screening of student films. Students can vote and provide feedback on their favorite submissions.

Categories include historical narratives, contemporary perspectives, future visions and personal stories students present on their perspectives of the Black community.

An awards ceremony will conclude the festival, recognizing films in each category.

The Black History Committee promotes cultural awareness, celebrates diversity, and fosters an inclusive environment.

Before the festival, T.L. Hanna's Digital Integration Specialist will host lunch and workshops on filmmaking, storytelling, and Black history.

"We are thrilled to offer our students this creative opportunity and eagerly anticipate the stories they will bring to life. Heritage Horizons is not just a festival; it's a celebration of the rich tapestry of Black history and the limitless possibilities ahead," said Danae Acker, Digital Integration Specialist at T.L. Hanna.

Spoken word contest highlights Black history at Anderson University

Anderson University will host a spoken word contest from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8 at Books and Beans, located on the lower level of Thrift Library.

Books & Beans is a coffee spot on the campus at 316 Blvd.

Anderson University is celebrating Black History Month with events throughout February.

United Way holds networking event for Black History Month

The United Way of Anderson County will host a Black History Networking Event at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16 at Tucker's at 3501 Clemson Blvd.

"We will unveil a new partnership with the Urban League of the Upstate," said Carol Burdette, president and CEO of United Way,

The Urban League of the Upstate works to provide economic empowerment, educational opportunities, and the guarantee of civil rights for the underserved in America.

Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Anderson Independent Mail: Anderson County celebrates accomplishments of African Americans