Friday, February 1

Black History Month kickoff celebration, 11:30 a.m. in the Capstone Campus Room at the University of South Carolina. The event features Chris Leevy Johnson, chaplain of the Carolina men’s basketball team. Info: (803) 777-1421

Saturday

Annual Statewide Ethnic History Parade and Gospel Soiree Festival, noon in historical Waverly and Five Points communities Martin Luther King Park of Columbia, 2300 Green St. Parade begins at Hampton and Harden Streets. Info: (803) 361-5470

All month

“The Great Kings of Africa Exhibit,” will be on display in the Ponder Fine Arts Gallery at Benedict College. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Info: (803) 705-4463

Thursday

Panel Discussion: “Historical Significance vs. 21st Century Relevance: Exploring the Role of Faith and Religion, 11 a.m. in Ponder Fine Arts/Humanities Center Little Theater at Benedict College. Religious leaders will discuss the modern-day significance and relevance of faith and religion in the leadership experience of college students. Info: (803) 705-4726

Feb. 12

Architecture of Segregation Lecture, 5:30 p.m. at Richland Library, 1431 Assembly St. Explore the important sites that played a role in the physical separation of blacks and whites as well as the importance of preserving them. Free. Sponsored by Historic Columbia Foundation. Info: (803) 252-7742

Feb. 13

Black History Month Celebration and Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. at Brookland Baptist Church Banquet and Conference Center, 1066 Sunset Blvd., West Columbia. The event features guest speaker Dr. Millicent Brown of Claflin University. The cost is $15. Payments are due today and should be submitted to FBIRA, 151 Westpark Blvd., Columbia, SC 29210. Info: (803) 551-4468; (843) 629-3031

Feb. 13

The 26th annual Benedict College Black History Teleconference, 1:30 p.m. in the Ponder Fine Arts/Humanities Center Little Theater at Benedict College. A variety of participating high school and Benedict College students will direct questions to prominent African Americans. The event will air on ETV, 5 p.m. Feb. 24. Info: (803) 705-4616.

Feb. 23-24

The 24th annual Harambee Festival Weekend Celebration, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Feb. 23 at Benedict College. The event features activities for children, live performances, art exhibits, workshops and health screenings. Free admission. The Harambee Festival Community Choir Concert will be 4 p.m. Feb. 24 in the Benjamin E. Mays Human Resources Center Arena at Benedict College. Info: (803) 296-3461; www.benedict.edu/harambee

Feb. 28

Septima P. Clark Film Showcase and Panel Discussion, 6 p.m. at Ponder Fine Arts/Humanities Center Little Theater at Benedict College. The showcase is presented by the Department of Social Sciences and Criminal Justince and Historical Studies. Info: (803) 705-4596