In celebration of the contributions of African Americans throughout our nation's history, Patriots Point Institute Naval and Maritime Museum invites the public to attend a special symposium entitled, "Hometown Heroes: The Struggles and Accomplishments of Black Veterans."

Moderated by veteran journalist Warren Peper, this educational program will begin at noon on Feb. 10 in the USS Yorktown's Smokey Stover Theatre and will provide residents with an opportunity to learn about the personal struggles, challenges and triumphs of African American leaders in our community.

The symposium is hosted by the Patriots Point Institute of History and Science and is free and open to the public.

Congressman Tim Scott will begin the program by welcoming guests and sharing his experiences as a member of the United States Congress, Charleston County Council and South Carolina House of Representatives.

A discussion will follow with remarks by panelists, including:

• Mrs. Helen Richards, sister of Ralph Johnson, Medal of Honor recipient
• Maj. Gen. Abraham J. Turner, Executive Director, S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce
• Colonel Joseph Dawson, Jr., Vietnam War veteran and Commandant, Military Magnet Academy
• Sgt. Brian McCann, veteran of Grenada
• SSgt. Stephen Tinney, US Air Force veteran and Lincoln High School JROTC
• Dr. Marcus Cox, local author, Associate Professor of History and Founding Director of African American Studies at the Citadel

Also in February, Patriots Point is hosting a special Black History Month exhibit, which will feature a virtual scrapbook of USS Yorktown's African-American sailors in World War II.

The exhibit will include a timeline of African-American Navy Veterans from the Civil War to Today and will highlight such heroes as Robert Smalls (Civil War riverboat pilot), World War II Navy Cross winner Doris Miller, female military officers of the 20th century, and Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Ralph Johnson.

Gullah heritage

Charles Pinckney National Historic Site invites the public to a free film series on Feb. 12, 19, 26, and March 4. At 2 p.m., rangers will introduce documentaries about Gullah culture and history in the Lowcountry.

These films complement the Gullah heritage programs that are presented at the park each Saturday during the same period. Allow about an hour for each screening.

Feb. 12: "When Rice Was King" (SCETV, 1990). As a colony, South Carolina's role in rice production led to unprecedented wealth and increased dependence on the labor of enslaved Africans.

This documentary traces the rise and fall of rice cultivation and its effects on life in the Lowcountry.

Feb. 19: "Family across the Sea" (SCETV, 1990). In a pioneering study during the 1930s, linguist Lorenzo Dow Turner revealed the African origins of the Gullah dialect.

This film brings Turner's study up-to-date, showing the modern cultural connections between the Gullah people of South Carolina's Sea Islands and the people of Sierra Leone.

Feb. 26: "Stay in de Boat" (College of Charleston, 2011).

This student-made film documents the enduring presence and relevance of Gullah-Geechee culture. Lowcountry interviewees discuss West African heritage, kinship networks, traditions, language, place, and history.

March 4: "Saving Sandy Island" (SCETV, 2006). Located on South Carolina's coastline, Sandy Island has no roads connecting it to mainland. When development threatened the local culture and ecology, residents of Sandy Island fought to preserve it.

For more information, call 843-881-5516 or visit the Web site at www.nps.gov/chpi.

Community, culture

The Citadel will celebrate Black History Month with several events highlighting the importance of public service as well as maintaining communities.

Saturday, Feb. 25, members of the African American Society will demonstrate their servant leadership by volunteering at the First African Child Development Center at 1020 King St. The cadets will help make improvements to the development center.

All Black History Month events at The Citadel are free and open to the public. For questions, please call 843-953-7464.

Library events

The Charleston County Public Library offers the following free programs for children, teens and adults throughout the month of February.

African American Read-In

Feb. 1 - 29

Cooper River Memorial Library - 3503 Rivers Avenue: 744-2489

Join the read-in as the library spotlights books by African American authors all month long in storytimes.