Early Registration Ends Oct. 13! Visit the microsite now  for AJHA's National Conference in Greenville, Nov. 5-7

Beyond many exceptional papers and panels, conference highlights include an opening recepton honoring Cecil Williams, a pioneering South Carolina photojournalist, a Friday lunch honoring Beryl Dakers, a trailblazing documentarian, a Friday afternoon historical tour of the city with a local historian, and Saturday's gala dinner featuring Carolina barbecue.   Check out the conference microsite for more information. 

The Thursday night opening reception will honor Cecil Williams, 88, a pioneering South Carolina photojournalist, who began his career publishing pictures of the Civil Rights Movement in Jet magazine when he was a teenager.  

“He captured the Civil Rights Movement in South Carolina in photos — up close, personal, and accurately — for the nation to see," said Kenneth Campbell, part of the local host committee and an associate professor at the University of South Carolina School of Journalism and Mass Communications. "Many likely without his name being attached with wire service dispatches published across the nation.”

Friday's Donna Allen Luncheon will feature Beryl Dakers, a trailblazing journalist whose career has spanned public and commercial broadcasting as well as producing historical documentaries. 

Dakers has broken ground for women and minorities over the years, taking on responsibilities and challenges in journalistic leadership positions. 

“Few individuals have done more to preserve, interpret, and share the history and culture of South Carolina than Beryl Dakers,” said Dr. Bobby Donaldson, associate professor of history and executive director of the Center for Civil Rights History and Research at the University of South Carolina. “Throughout a remarkable career spanning more than five decades, she has combined the highest standards of journalism with a deep commitment to research and historical storytelling.

Read more about the honorees and the conference special events here.