Happy Black History Month From Penn Center

Join us for Penn Center's Black History Month Celebration

Celebrate Black History Month with us on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on the campus of Penn Center.

This special gathering will honor the rich history, culture, and lasting contributions of the Black community. We invite friends, families, and neighbors to come together for a day of reflection, connection, and celebration.

Learn More

In Loving Memory of the Rev. Jesse Jackson

Penn Center was featured on WJCL-TV where our executive director shared powerful reflections on the legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson and Penn Center’s historic role in the Civil Rights Movement.

Watch Now

Penn Center in the News

Photo via UGA.edu

UGA Announces Next Phase of
Penn Center Partnership

The Willson Center for Humanities and Arts at the University of Georgia has been awarded a $1 million grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to support the second phase of its public humanities partnership with Penn Center.

Learn more.

"This is our chance to shape what economic development looks like."

Dr. Robert Adams Jr., executive director of Penn Center, speaks with The Island News about why the proposed Gullah Geechee Cultural Center and Village Entrepreneurial Market represent a transformative opportunity to promote inclusive economic development and help shape the future of St. Helena Island.

Full story.

This Month on Campus

Lift Every Voice and Sing

Brick Baptist Church joined us for an uplifting evening of familiar hymns and spirituals at our February Community Sing in honor of Black History Month. Mark your calendars for our next gathering on March 15: Women’s History Month Community Sing.

Exploring Spirituality and Art

This month, Gullah Folk artist Rev. Johnnie Simmons is interviewed by Luke Frazier at Penn Center inside the York W. Bailey Museum for an upcoming documentary exploring the intersection of art and spirituality.

Harvesting Heritage

Penn Center is thrilled to welcome the community back for Harvesting Heritage: Gathering Ground on Saturday, February 21. This full-day event celebrates Black foodways, Gullah Geechee traditions, and Lowcountry heritage, offering something for everyone.

Learn More

Community News

On Tuesday, February 17, community members gathered at the St. Helena Branch Library to mark the launch of the Gullah/Geechee Sacred Site Protection Project, an initiative focused on preserving and protecting local graveyards and cemeteries. The event highlighted the importance of safeguarding these historic spaces and encouraged continued community involvement as efforts move forward to protect and uplift St. Helena Island.

Details

Campus Vibes

Just two months into 2026, Penn Center has already welcomed hundreds of visitors to campus. From Atlanta area 8th graders exploring native plants on guided walks to cruising tourists learning about Gullah culture, the energy has been nonstop.

In recent weeks, we have also welcomed four film crews, birthday parties, local community groups and more.

View Photos

About Penn Center | Contact Us | Privacy Policy