College of Charleston Avery Research Center Hosts Symposium
The College of Charleston Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture will host “Those Who Have Must Turn Around and Give: Celebrating 40 Years of Preserving Black History and Education," a symposium and opening for summer exhibits, June 9–11.
The College of Charleston Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture will host “Those Who Have Must Turn Around and Give: Celebrating 40 Years of Preserving Black History and Education” on June 9–11, 2026.
The symposium will begin at the Avery Research Center (125 Bull St.) with a day of workshops centering on community archives, Gullah Geechee foodways, oral histories and collaborative zine making. The day will conclude with a free event from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. officially opening the Avery Research Center’s three summer exhibitions.
The Avery Research Center’s Three Summer Exhibitions
- The Radical Quad: The History of the Avery Research Center: This exhibition traces the formation of the Avery Research Center from its roots as the Avery Normal Institute to its present role as an archive, library and museum.
- Journey to Inner Peace and Beyond, by Christine D. Jackson: A multi-sensory exhibition featuring mixed-media paintings, collages and poetry by Charleston-based artist, author and wellness facilitator Christine D. Johnson. Inspired by her Jamaican roots and commitment to mental wellness, Johnson invites you to reflect on the question, “Where am I in my journey to inner peace?”
- By Any Means, curated by KELA: In the spirit of Juneteenth, this exhibition acknowledges both the history and the ongoing pursuit of freedom – creative, personal and collective – the inner knowing that calls us to create, to express, to become.
The symposium will continue with concurrent sessions on education (June 10) and archival practices (June 11) at the Francis Marion Hotel (387 King St.).
During the education day, participants will hear keynote speeches from Derrick P. Alridge, Bobby Donaldson, Ashley D. Dennis, Kellie Carter Jackson, Justin A. Coles and Crystal R. Sanders centering the stories of Black teachers’ stories and organizing traditions.
During the archival practice day, participants will hear from keynote speakers Zakiya Collier, Micha Broadnax, Dorothy Berry, DeLisa Minor Harris, Kaitlyn B. Jones and Chaitra Powell.
Other symposium activities include an un-networking program and an awards ceremony honoring educators, archivists and long-time supporters and staff of the Avery Research Center.
Registration is still open, find out more on the Avery Research Center’s website.
