MORNING HEADLINES | Charleston’s International African American Museum (IAAM) hosted a New Year’s Day event Wednesday to commemorate the anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, or Emancipation Day, as people across the Lowcountry celebrated the start of the new year.
IAAM Historian Brandon Reid told the media that the first day of the year was a reminder to keep historic events alive. He added the museum’s Emancipation Day program helped people learn about pivotal, historical figures who once walked the city’s streets.
“Emancipation Day, especially here in the Lowcountry, but all over the country, is a very important holiday,” he said. “Again, it provides us with this period of reflection before we move into the new year. It provides us an opportunity to look at these West and West Central African practices and principles, especially as you think about Watch Night.”
Earlier in the week, Charlestonians celebrated the annual Chanukah on the Square event on Monday – a day late after heavy Sunday rains postponed the observance. Also Monday, state Jewish leaders lit a menorah on the Statehouse grounds in an annual program to celebrate unity.
Also in recent headlines:
CP NEWS: Anson Street burial memorial nears completion. The Anson African Burial Memorial, envisioned as a lush garden surrounding a bowl-shaped fountain rimmed with bronze water-spraying hands, could be installed before the early summer on the southside of the Charleston Gaillard Center, according to organizers.
North Charleston could host cruise ships. North Charleston’s mayor and council members are in preliminary discussions about bringing cruise ships to the old Navy base area. Meanwhile, Carnival cruise ships are ending cruise operations in the city of Charleston, which will free up Union Pier’s terminal for development.
S.C. lawmaker pushes for weapons detectors in schools. S.C. Rep. Wendell Gilliard (D-Charleston) has filed a bill requiring weapons detectors in all S.C. public schools. “If weapons detectors are good for the governor and good for us at the statehouse, then they should be good for our students,” Gilliard said.
No dancing past midnight: Nine odd laws that are still on the books in S.C. From horses, railroads to shopping curfews, here are nine unusual Palmetto State laws that are still alive and well in 2025.
NATIONAL: 15 dead in ISIS-inspired truck attack. The New Orleans attack on New Year’s Day left 15 dead and about three dozen injured. Federal, state and local law enforcement are searching for the dead assailant’s accomplices. The Sugar Bowl, scheduled for Wednesday night in New Orleans, was postponed until tonight. The Georgia Bulldogs face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Folly Beach drone show malfunction highlights need for new regulations, expert says. An aviation expert says more drone regulation is needed after a Folly Beach New Year’s Eve drone show left one person injured.
Lowcountry real estate titan names new president. Longtime Beach Company exec Dan Doyle will become the real estate and development company’s fourth president in its 80 years of existence. John Darby will remain chairman of the board and CEO.
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