AROUND TOWN

On June 17, Charleston paused to mark the 11th anniversary of one of the darkest days in the city's history. Eleven years after a white supremacist entered the Wednesday evening Bible study at Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church and murdered nine Black worshippers, church members, families, clergy, elected officials, and residents gathered once again to remember lives that continue to shape the conscience of Charleston and the nation.

When the International African American Museum opened in Charleston in June 2023, it was celebrated as one of the most important cultural institutions ever built to tell the story of African Americans. Located on Gadsden’s Wharf, where historians estimate that nearly 40 percent of enslaved Africans brought to North America first entered the country, the museum quickly became a destination for visitors from across the United States and around the world.

Last month in Denver, Colorado, the City of North Charleston earned national recognition as one of ten cities to receive the National Civic League’s All-America City Award. Yet, three weeks later, a video surfaced of North Charleston juveniles beating and stomping a female police officer, portraying a troubling contrast. While Mayor Reggie Burgess is working to improve the city’s image and move North Charleston forward, others seem determined to cloud it.

Charleston County is at a crossroads. Over the next five years, millions of federal dollars will be invested in affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, economic development, and homelessness prevention. At the same time, rising home prices, redevelopment, increasing insurance costs, and a shortage of affordable housing continue to reshape communities across the Lowcountry.

Dr. Precious Jemison is a proud product of the Charleston County School District and a dedicated educational leader committed to student success and academic excellence. She began her career in education in 2019 as a teacher and coach at R.B. Stall High School, where she taught while coaching multiple sports. She later served as an educator at Buist Academy for two years before returning to R.B. Stall High School to continue her work with students and staff.

On June 13, 2026, a friend and I had the distinct pleasure of attending The Knights of Peter Claver Jazz Brunch 2026 Fundraiser, an event that brought together parishioners, community leaders, supporters, and music enthusiasts for an afternoon dedicated to preserving one of Charleston’s most treasured historic and spiritual landmarks, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, located at 134 St. Phillip Street, Charleston, SC 29403.

Several new South Carolina laws officially took effect on July 1, bringing changes that affect schools, public safety, social media companies, fishing regulations, and access to community services. While many of the laws will be implemented over time, South Carolinians are already beginning to see the impact of legislation approved by the General Assembly earlier this year.

We had the bittersweet privilege of meeting Mr. and Mrs. Shawn and Monica Williams on two separate occasions in June. The first meeting took place at South Carolina State Representative Wendell Gilliard’s campaign fundraising event held at C&W Super Buffet in North Charleston on June 5, 2026. The second occurred during a community discussion on House Bill H.3039, South Carolina’s proposed Hate Crime Law, held on June 23, 2026, at North Charleston City Hall.

On June 25, students, families, educators, and community leaders gathered at St. Helena Elementary School to celebrate the completion of the inaugural St. Helena Island Navigating Excellence (SHINE) Collaborative, a month-long summer enrichment program that united community organizations across St. Helena Island to provide culturally grounded learning experiences for more than 65 students from fourth grade through 12th grade.

A new message greets visitors and residents to Sullivan’s Island, and it says much more about the community than its few words suggest. On June 11, just in time for the Carolina Day celebration this weekend, the town mounted an addition to its welcome sign where Ben Sawyer Boulevard becomes Station 22½ Street. It reads, “Battle of Sullivan’s Island, 1776.”

July is one of the hottest months of the year in the Lowcountry, and high temperatures combined with humidity can create dangerous conditions. Older adults, young children, people with health conditions, outdoor workers, and anyone without air conditioning are especially at risk.

Ten schools are set to play in the 2026 Dave Spurlock Charleston County School District (CCSD) Football Jamboree on Friday, August 14, at the North Charleston Regional Stadium. This will be the fourth edition of the preseason event named after long-time Lowcountry athletic leader and former CCSD Athletic Director Dave Spurlock.The matchups are as follows (start times following the first contest are approximate, and the home team is listed first):6:00 p.m. – North Charleston

Dr. Washington was born and raised in Walterboro, SC. Bernie, as he is affectionately called, is the son of Fred and Shirley Stevens Washington. He is the proud father of two children, Katrina and James, Clemson graduates. Katrina majored in Civil Engineering, and James majored in Packaging Science.

Colleton County Superintendent, Jessica Williams retires after 41 years of service. Williams was born in Walterboro and later returned to her roots. Williams earned a BA degree in music, and later her Master’s degree from the Citadel. She rose through the ranks as an assistant principal, principal director of elementary education, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction and superintendent.

After an extraordinary 32 years of Public Service, Chief Brent Simon retired in May 2026 from the South Carolina Ports Authority Police Department. Chief Simon began his law enforcement career with the City of Charleston Police Department before joining the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, and later spent his last 24 years at the South Carolina Ports Authority Police Department, where he rose to the rank of Chief of Police. Chief Simon held the distinction of being the fir