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 Memory of Jesse Jackson October 8, 1941 - February 17, 2026

The Penn Center mourns the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson, a civil rights leader whose lifelong fight against injustice, inequality, and violence shaped our history. The renowned activist, a native son of South Carolina, did “not go gentle into that good night” (Dylan Thomas). Rev. Jackson, a key figure in the civil rights movement and a successor to Dr. King, carried the torch forward after Dr. King’s assassination in 1968. We are proud that the Penn Center, founded by northern missionaries and formerly enslaved Gullah Geechee in 1862, played a part in his journey, and his work enriched our legacy.

Now it is our turn to pick up the baton from our fallen hero and continue the work of realizing the full promise of American Democracy, encouraging all to join in this vital effort. 

Join us for a day of history, food, and community as we celebrate the rich cultural legacy of St. Helena Island!

Join Penn Center for its 2nd Annual Black History Month Celebration on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, right here on the Penn Center Campus.

This second phase of funding is significant not only for its scale, but for what it makes possible. The partnership invests directly in programs that connect Penn Center’s historic mission to present-day questions facing the Sea Islands, including land stewardship, cultural continuity, environmental change, and intergenerational knowledge sharing

Penn Center’s Mystery Play and nativity scene was featured in a December edition of The Post and Courier.

Beaufort High School senior and Penn Center employee Caleb Singleton reflects on Penn Center’s history and significance.

The Penn Center campus came alive in 2025 with nearly 100 groups and thousands of visitors. Here are some of the most memorable moments.

3RD ISSUE

CALENDAR BOOKLETS. This issue will honor our Veterans including Historic Leaders and those who

contributed to our Black Heritage and Black Owned Businesses.

Cost per booklet is $15.00. All proceeds will go to The Penn Club, Inc. to help enrich Penn Center, Inc.

and our heritage.

If you would like your Black Own Business to be advertised in our Black History Calendar

Booklet, FREE OF CHARGE, please contact one of the numbers below or contact any Penn Club

Member.

To pre-order your booklet(s) please call, E. Norman 843-592-0225 or email: puredesign@comcast.net

OR Elijah Abram, Sr. 843-986-3142 or email: abrammpma9@icloud.com. All checks/money orders

should be made payable to Penn Club, Inc. and mail to:

Earnestine Norman

c/o Penn Club, Inc.

P. O. Box 246

St. Helena Island, SC 29920

Obituary for Mother Blanche Sumpter

From left to right: Inez Miller, Marie Leroy, Elayne Scott, Gardenia Simmons-White, Barbara Gardner-Hunter, Queen Quet, Mary Mack, Carrie Major, Ernestine Atkins (not present), and Dr. Marie Gibbs, presiding over the ceremony..

From left to right: Inez Miller, Marie Leroy, Elayne Scott, Gardenia Simmons-White, Barbara Gardner-Hunter, Queen Quet, Mary Mack, Carrie Major, Ernestine Atkins (not present), and Dr. Marie Gibbs, presiding over the ceremony..

Foundation Awards $850,000 in Catalyst Grants to Two Local Nonprofits

February 5, 2024

By Mayci McLeod

Penn Center The Shout! Check out more information about Penn, upcoming events, and more!