News Release

Hilton Head Island Honors and Embraces Black History Month with Cultural Celebrations

February 3, 2023

February is Black History Month, a month honoring the shared stories and contributions of African Americans who have shaped our nation and also Hilton Head Island.

During this month-long celebration, the Town of Hilton Head Island encourages you to take advantage of the many incredible events being hosted to highlight the Island's Gullah Geechee culture and other significant contributions of local African Americans. Experience live musical performances, special gatherings, art gallery shows, festivals and more. These wonderful celebrations are fun and educational opportunities for the whole family to enjoy.

Freedom Day Celebration Hosted by Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park
Saturday, February 4 from 11 am - 1 pm
Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park
40 Harriet Tubman Way, Hilton Head Island

This free program explores black resistance in the fight for freedom and honors the life and legacy of Robert Smalls, who was born into slavery in Beaufort, South Carolina. Smalls later won freedom for himself and his family, and became a prominent leader in the community during the Reconstruction era, including service in both the state and national legislature. Special guests include Michael Boulware Moore, the great-great grandson of Robert Smalls; Gullah artist Quentin Smalls and the Claflin University Concert Choir. Visit exploremitchelville.org for more info.

Experience the 27th Annual Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration 
Arts Ob We People: Winter Exhibit and Sale
Now through March 4 from 10 am - 4 pm Daily
Art League of Hilton Head Gallery
14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island

This free exhibit displays original work by emerging and leading artists who represent the life of Gullah people on Hilton Head Island and the surrounding community. Artists will be onsite at various times throughout the exhibit. Check for exact schedules at gullahcelebration.com. Private tours are available by appointment only.

Gullah Cultural Series: Gullah Me, Gullah You
Friday, February 3 - Dinner is 6:30 pm; Concert starts 7:30 pm
Soundwaves, 7 Lagoon Circle, Hilton Head Island
Cost: $29 - $69
Presented by the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island, Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra and Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, the program features a talk show format highlighting various aspects of local Gullah culture and music by the Lavon Stevens Band. An optional dinner is provided by Wendel Osborne of Savvy Food. For more info or tickets, visit hhso.org.

Freedom Day: Film Series
Saturday, February 4, and Saturday, February 18 at 6 pm
Seahawk Cultural Center
70 Wilborn Drive Hilton Head Island
Cost: $20

Directed by Luana Graves Sellars, "Freedom Day: Exploring the Families of Historic Mitchelville" and "Harriet Tubman: From Railroad to a Spy" take a deep dive into the makings of Mitchelville and the life of one of America’s most famous freedom fighters. Visit gullahcelebration.com for more details and tickets.

Family and Friends Day
Tuesday, February 7 at 7 pm
Historic First African Baptist Church
70 Beach City Road, Hilton Head Island
Cost: Free

Join the Historic First African Baptist Church for its annual family and friends program, featuring traditional and contemporary Gullah songs and samples of authentic Gullah food! Visit gullahcelebration.com for details.

Gullah Celebration’s Patrons and Friends Party
Wednesday, February 8 from 6 pm - 8 pm
Art League Gallery
14 Shelter Cove Lane Hilton Head Island
Cost: Free

Spend the evening with the 2023 featured artist Lisa Rivers and many other exhibiting artists at the Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration's Patrons and Friends Party. Complimentary food and beverages. Visit gullahcelebration.com for more details.

A Taste of Gullah
Saturday, February 11 from 12 pm - 3 pm
Art League Gallery
14 Shelter Cove Lane Hilton Head Island

An afternoon filled with gumbo, conch stew, fried fish and shrimp dusted in traditional Gullah seasonings and more favorites, storytelling, music, and other activities. Free admission but food is available for purchase. Visit gullahcelebration.com for more details.

Gullah Market and Block Party: An Arts, Crafts and Food Expo
Saturday, February 18 from 11 am - 5 pm
Historic Honey Horn
70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island
Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for youth. Children 5 and under admitted for free.

An all-access experience to Gullah culture featuring Gullah and African crafts and food, traditional storytelling, music entertainment, and more. Events will proceed rain or shine. Visit gullahcelebration.com for more details and tickets.

Celebration of African American Authors
Saturday, February 25 from 12 pm - 3 pm
Rotary Community Center
11 Recreation Drive, Bluffton

An afternoon experience that shines the light on African American authors and the important narratives revealed in their latest publications. The featured guest author is former NFL player Aaron Maybin. A complimentary lunch will be provided at this free event.

For more information on local events celebrating Black History, visit the websites for the following organizations:

Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park - www.exploremitchelville.org
Native Islander Business & Community Affairs Association’s Gullah Celebration - https://gullahcelebration.com
Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra - www.hhso.org