Speakers to celebrate Pendleton Black History

In celebration of Black History Month and Pendleton’s 225th birthday, the Pendleton District Commission is hosting “Celebrating Pendleton’s African-American History” on Feb. 9. Beginning at 7pm, the presentation features Dr. Rhondda Thomas and Ms. Sandra Gantt. Ms. Gantt’s presentation will focus on growing up in Pendleton, including segregation, integration, and time beyond. Sandra Gantt is the daughter of Albert and Lila Gantt. She serves on the Town Council of Pendleton, and on the boards of Hospice of the Upstate, Supper on Us Pendleton, Anderson County Economic Development, Municipal Association of South Carolina, The Palmetto Bank Community Board, and is President of the Anderson County Municipal Assoc. Ms. Gantt attends King’s Chapel AME Church, the oldest historically black church in Pendleton. Dr. Thomas’ presentation will highlight herJane Edna Hunter Project, a Creative Inquiry research project at Clemson University, which is dedicated to the preservation of the life, work, and legacy of social activist Jane Edna Harris Hunter. Ms. Hunter, one of the most influential African-American women in 20thcentury America, was born at Woodburn Farms, in Pendleton. Ms. Hunter went on to found the Phillis Wheatley Association and was also influential in the women’s suffragette movement and the early Civil Rights movement. Dr. Thomashas been an Associate Professor in theDepartment of English, Clemson University, for the past seven years and is a 6th generation South Carolinian. Dr. Thomas has published a scholarly edition of Ms. Hunter’s autobiography A Nickel and a Prayer. Copies of the new edition of A Nickel and a Prayer will be available for purchase. The special night is open to the public, but, the District Commission would like to extend a special invitation to all lifelong residents of Pendleton. The event is free, and will be held at Historic Hunter’s Store at 125 East Queen Street in Pendleton.