Renaissance Publications & Educational Programs, LLC

South Carolina Matilda Evans: A Medical Pioneer-Book Celebration & Panel Discussion
2025-04-26 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Halifax) | The Center For African American History, Art, and Culture, 120 York Street NE, Aiken, SC, 29801, United States
We invite you to commemorate the launch of the official biography of Dr. Matilda Evans, the first African American woman in South Carolina to be licensed to practice medicine. The event will feature a book celebration program and a panel discussion with esteemed authors, including Dr. Walter B. Curry, founder of Renaissance Publications, LLC; Beverly Aiken Muhammad, the eldest granddaughter of Dr. Evans and the founder, executive director, and CEO of the Dr. Matilda A. Evans Educational Foundation LLC; and Anusha Ghosh, a medical student at the University of South Carolina–Columbia.
The program will be moderated by Mrs. Donna Wesby, Co-Founder and CEO of Umoja Village. Attendees can enjoy refreshments, and books along with giveaways, and a raffle will be available.
For further details, please contact the Center for African American History, Art, and Culture at (803) 502-4858 or via email at CAAHAC@cityofaikensc.gov, or reach out to Dr. Curry at (803) 404-2117 or renaissancepublicationsllc@gmail.com

2025 Columbia Black Expo
2025-05-17 10:00 - 17:00 | SC
I, along with fellow co-authors, Beverly Aiken-Muhammad and Anusha Ghosh, are eager to take part in the 2025 Columbia Black Expo, where I will be showcasing my book, South Carolina Matilda Evans: A Medical Pioneer, along with the commemorative medical license of Dr. Matilda Evans.
I will be offering a 15% discount for health care professionals, educators, business owners, Greeks, Masons/Eastern Stars, and high school/college students. To qualify for the discount:
-Health care professionals, educators, and college students need to present valid ID.
– Greeks and Masons/Eastern Stars should display their paraphernalia.
– Business owners must provide proof of their business, such as a business card, Blinq, or website.
Products will be sold at Booth 527. To reserve your products to purchase at the day of the expo, contact me at (803) 404-2117 or email: renaissancepublicationsllc@gmail.com.
DISCOVER SIGNIFICANT PIECES OF BLACK HISTORY IN SOUTH CAROLINA!!!

Lunchbox Learning-Upcountry History Museum
2025-05-21 12:00 - 13:00 | Upcountry History Museum, 540 Buncombe Street, Greenville, SC, 29601, United States
Lunchbox Learning at Upcountry History Museum featuring the topic,”South Carolina Matilda Evans: A Medical Pioneer”

Discovering Local History of Aiken State Park led by Dr. Walter Curry
2025-05-31 10:00 - 12:00 | Aiken State Park, 1145 State Park Road, Windsor, SC, 29856, United States
Uncover the intriguing history of Aiken State Park through an engaging tour that highlights the area’s unique past. Participants will delve into the rich narrative of the Sandhills, the turpentine industry, and the South Edisto River, while also recognizing the vital role played by the African American detachment of the Civilian Conservation Corps in shaping the park’s development. This tour will reveal much more about Aiken State Park local heritage and its significance.
Click on the link, https://southcarolinaparks.com/products/10011039, to register for the tour.

Dr. Matilda Evans: A Medical Pioneer-Panel Discussion & Book Signing
2025-06-22 15:00 - 17:00 | Orangeburg County Historical Society, 1421 Middleton Street, Orangeburg, SC, 29115, United States
Join us for a compelling discussion on the life and legacy of Dr. Matilda Arabella Evans, the first African American woman licensed to practice medicine in South Carolina. Explore her pioneering efforts in establishing hospitals, advocating for public health, and her enduring impact on the community.
Speakers:
Dr. Walter B. Curry, Jr., Ed.D.
Beverly Aiken-Muhammad
Anusha Ghosh
Moderator: Tammy McCottry
Admission: Free but seats are limited so get your ticket today
Additional Information: Books will be available for purchase and signing after the presentation.
Click on the link, https://orangeburgcountyhistory.org/dr-matilda-evans/, to register.

In the Field: Story Workshop with Dr. Walter Curry
2025-08-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Johnston Genealogical Research Center, 405 Calhoun Street, Johnston, SC, 29832, United States
Come join us for a hands-on story workshop led by the talented Dr. Walter Curry! This in-person event will take place at new Johnston Genealogical Research Center on Saturday August 2nd, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM, at 405 Calhoun St, Johnston, SC, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn from a seasoned storyteller and share your own stories about the heart of rural SC: farming and agriculture. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this workshop is sure to inspire and ignite your creativity. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to dive deep into the art of storytelling, farming, and agriculture with Dr. Walter Curry!
The Community Pen initiative is a collaboration between The Athenaeum Press and the South Carolina Arts Commission, which is supported by funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. The workshop is hosted by the Old Edgefield District Genealogical Society.
To secure your spot for this free workshop, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/…/in-the-field-story…. For any inquiries, feel free to reach out to Alli Crandell at acrandell@coastal.edu or (843) 349-2947, or message me directly at renpubed@gmail.com.

Speaker at the Center: Authors of "South Carolina's Matilda Evans: A Medical Pioneer"
2025-08-26 15:00 - 16:30 | South Carolina State Library, 1500 Senate Street, Columbia, 29201, United States
“South Carolina Matilda Evans: A Medical Pioneer” is the official biography of Dr. Matilda Evans, the first African American woman licensed to practice medicine in South Carolina. Dr. Walter B. Curry, Jr. hails from Orangeburg, South Carolina, where he began his academic journey by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in political science from South Carolina State University. He furthered his education by acquiring multiple graduate degrees in education, culminating in a doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction from Argosy University in Sarasota. In 2018, he established Renaissance Publications, LLC, a self-publishing venture dedicated to the literary arts, emphasizing historical scholarship that explores ancestry and local history. Beverly Aiken-Muhammad is the eldest granddaughter of Dr. Matilda A. Evans and the oldest daughter of Mattie Evans. She was born in Camden, South Carolina, and grew up in both Camden and Columbia. She is the Founder, Executive Director, and CEO of The Dr. Matilda A. Evans Educational Foundation LLC, a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Anusha Ghosh is pursuing her MD at the University of South Carolina–Columbia, having earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Carolina Honors College, focusing on public health, language, and history.
For more information, please get in touch with McCabe Rentz, SC Center for the Book Coordinator, at 803-734-4816 or mrentz@statelibrary.sc.gov
Location & Parking: The event is held at the South Carolina State Library, 1500 Senate Street, Columbia, SC 29201. On-street metered parking is available.

Southern Authors Expo
2025-09-13 10:00 | Johnston Genealogical Research Center, 405 Calhoun Street, Johnston, SC, 29832, United States
Meet Award-Winning Southern Authors: Dr. Walter Curry, Jr., Ms.
Patricia G. McNeely, Ms. Alexia Jones Helsley, Ms. Karen Stokes,
Ms. Aliene Humphries, Mr. Marion F. Sturkey, Mr. Scott Jones, and
Ms. Beth Francis.
They will be on hand to educate visitors about their field(s) of
interest and sell/sign their books.
Other venders and organizations include Mr. Lee Burton from
Battery Street Books, in Columbia, SC, Mr. LaBruce Lucas from
Southern Historical Press, in Greenville, SC, Edgefield County
Historical Society, Augusta Genealogical Society, and Beech Island
Historical Society.
The “Southern Authors Expo” is sponsored by Old Edgefield District
Genealogical Society (OEDGS).
This event is open and free to the public!
For more information, please contact Tonya Guy at 803-991-0492 or
OEDGS85@gmail.com, or visit OEDGS.org

Tracing Time: Uncovering Our Ancestors’ Stories
2025-10-01 11:00 - 12:00 | Wando/Mount Pleasant Branch-Charleston County Library, 1400 Carolina Park Bvd, Mounty Pleasant, SC, 29466, United States
Join the South Carolina Historical Society for a compelling discussion on the shared legacies of slavery, featuring South Carolina authors Dr. Walter Curry and Margaret Seidler. Moderated by COO and Director of Collections Virginia Ellison, this conversation explores how descendants of both the enslaved and enslavers confront and carry forward their family histories. The authors will share insights from their archival research and reflect on how these stories are remembered, interpreted, and visually represented today.
This program is supported by South Carolina Humanities, a not-for-profit organization; inspiring, engaging and enriching South Carolinians with programs on literature, history, culture and heritage. SC Humanities receives funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.

First Friday Lecture Series: Payne-ful Business
2025-10-03 11:00 - 12:00 | Mount Pleasant Library-Charleston County Library, 1133 Mathis Ferry Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC, 29464, United States

BizArts presents "FriendsBuilding"
2025-11-24 16:00 - 19:00 | The Kennan House, 801 Wildwood Avenue, Columbia, SC, 29203, United States
I’m excited to share that Renaissance Publications & Educational Programs, LLC will be a vendor! Come see me for:

Our award-winning book: “South Carolina Matilda Evans: A Medical Pioneer”

This is a unique opportunity to network with fellow artists, seasoned entrepreneurs, and key stakeholders from One Columbia for Arts & Culture and Columbia Office of Business Opportunities (BizArts is a collaboration between 7Sunday and COBO!).

In the spirit of giving: BizArts is collecting non-perishable food items to support the greater Columbia community. Kindly bring at least two items to contribute!

Don’t miss out on this vital connection point for the literary arts community! Get Your Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.com/…/bizarts-friends-building…

4th Annual Write-Stuff Fundraising Holiday Gala hosted by The Columbia Writers Alliance
2025-12-13 19:00 - 23:00 | Suite Sixty Event Center, 9221 Two Notch Road, Columbia, South Carolina, 29223
I’m incredibly honored to serve as the Keynote Speaker this year at the 4th Annual Write-Stuff Fundraising Holiday Gala hosted by
The Columbia Writers Alliance! It will be a special evening as the organization will be celebrating 24 years of championing writers in the Midlands under the leadership of the organization founder and president, Jerlean S. Noble!
The occasion will be an elegant and impactful night dedicated to funding our most important mission: sending a deserving, essay-winning high school senior from the Midlands of SC on their journey toward higher education in 2026.
Event Details:
🗓️ When: Saturday, December 13, 2025-7:00 pm
📍 Where: Suite Sixty Event Center
9221 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC 29223
🍽️ Feast: A sumptuous meal by the amazing KiKi’s Chicken and Waffles!
🎶 Sounds: Festive holiday beats from DJ G-Man!
👗 Attire: Formal Attire Required. (And yes, we anticipate some fabulous heels! 😉)
Tickets are only $60!
Purchase through a CWA member or conveniently on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/…/columbia-writers-alliance…
Can’t make it? You can still empower a scholar! 🙏
Make a tax-deductible donation to our scholarship fund by visiting: www.colawriters.info
Vendors are also welcome – only room for 6 at $50/table. Please pay via cashapp $Columbia Writers or Zelle – colawriters@gmail.com
Note: Asking all vendors, photographer, DJ and decorators to be there no later than 6pm.
Come out and support this worthy cause to champion literacy in our community.

Discovering Barnwell History Through Ancestry
2026-01-15 17:30 - 19:30 | Barnwell County Library, 40 Burr Street, Barnwell, SC, 29812, United States

Black History Month Program
2026-02-07 12:00 - 15:00 | 112 Purity Street, 112 Purity Street, Orangeburg, 29116, United States
Black History Month is approaching, and Historic Bull Swamp Baptist Church is getting ready to kick it off in a BIG way! Join us for an uplifting celebration of history, faith, and legacy you won’t want to miss.
🎉 BLACK HISTORY MONTH KICKOFF EVENT 🎉
📅 February 7, 2026
⏰ 12:00 PM
🎤 Guest Speaker: Dr. Walter Curry Jr., Ed.D.
🍽️ Lunch will be served
Come celebrate our powerful past, present, and future through inspiration, fellowship, and community pride. Bring a friend, bring your family, and come ready to be inspired!
📞 RSVP by January 30
Contact Annette Morrison at 803-378-5547

HARAMBEE: Black History Month & NAACP Founder's Day
2026-02-12 18:00 - 19:30 | Blackville Community Center, 194464 Solomon Blatt Avene, Blackville, SC, 29817, United States
You are welcome to HARAMBEE; this coming Thursday, February 12, 2026, 6pm @ the Blackville Community Center, Blackville SC!
Help us celebrate Black History Month & The NAACP Founder’s Day, dedicated to the Barnwell Branch of the NAACP. We will have Dr. Walter Curry with us to give his presentation of the Antebellum and Civil War eras through the lens of Martha Kitchings Seawright Ellison. The NAACP will take new membership, and the Barnwell County Democratic Party will have voter’s registration.
Also see artwork from local artist and the Ole Time Brush Arbor Service. We’ll see you soon when we meet up da Brush Arbor!!

Gallery Exhibition: Dr. Matilda Evans – The Life of a Trailblazer
2026-02-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Aiken Center For The Arts, 122 Laurens St SW, Aiken, SC, 29801, United States
Join us for the opening reception for
Main Gallery-Aiken Center For The Arts
Dr. Matilda Evans – The Life of a Trailblazer
This exhibition highlights South Carolina’s first female African American physician, Matilda Arabella Evans, who was born four years after the abolition of slavery and raised on a family farm in eastern Aiken County. Dr. Evans was the first African American woman in South Carolina to obtain a medical license and fervently championed better healthcare for African Americans, with a particular focus on children.
The exhibit will run from February 19th-March 19th, 2026.

2026-03-12 18:00 - 19:00 | Aiken Center For The Arts, 122 Laurens St SW, Aiken, SC, 29801, United States
Join author Dr. Walter B.Curry as he shares insights and unique perspectives on the life of South Carolina’s first female African American physician, Matilda Arabella Evans, who was born four years after the abolition of slavery and raised on a family farm in eastern Aiken County. Dr. Evans was the first African American woman in South Carolina to obtain a medical license and fervently championed better healthcare for African Americans, with a particular focus on children.
