BEE Collective’s 2026 programming continues with an intergenerational celebration of literacy, heritage and community. On Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., BEE Collective and Tri-County Play Collaborative will present Celebrate We Gullah Geechee: Book Launch, Mural Unveiling, Arts & Literacy in honor of Black Children’s Book Week and to close out Black History Month.
The event will take place at Nsoromma House, 2021 Cosgrove Ave., North Charleston. All ages are welcome. Admission is free, but registration is suggested as space is limited. Registration is available at BEECelebrateWeGullahGeechee.eventbrite.com.
The event will feature 2026 Literary Artist-in-Residence Yvette R. Murray, an author and storyteller whose work centers Gullah Geechee heritage and intergenerational connection. Her new book, Celebrate We Gullah Geechee, affirms culture, language and ancestral knowledge through storytelling designed to uplift young readers and families.
The free public event will include:
- An official book launch and author reading
- A community mural unveiling
- Arts and literacy activities for youth
- Intergenerational storytelling and dialogue
The event is part of BEE Collective’s 2026 Artist-in-Residence season at Nsoromma House, a space rooted in cultural affirmation, community wellness and creative expression.
“Yvette Murray’s book is a colorful celebration of Gullah Geechee culture for children and adults alike. Please join us for the release of this magnificent testament,” said Kim N. Archung, Ph.D.
Murray said, “I’m excited to highlight the culture for our children and hopefully bring more tourists to Gullah Geechee historical sites.”
A Celebration of Play, Representation and Cultural Storytelling
In partnership with Tri-County Play Collaborative, the event also launches a new season of Play and Read gatherings centered on culturally affirming children’s literature.
“The Tri-County Play Collaborative is excited to launch a new season of Play and Read events with a special celebration of Black Children’s Book Week,” the organization said in a statement. “We believe all children deserve to see themselves reflected in positive, affirming ways in literature and learning environments. This celebration uplifts authors from our own community who center Gullah Geechee culture and share our stories through lenses of joy, resilience and celebration.
“Yvette Murray’s new children’s book Celebrate We Gullah Geechee beautifully affirms identity, heritage and belonging. The mural inspired by this book reflects how children see themselves within stories and within their community as worthy, visible and celebrated.
“We are deeply grateful to Tiny Is Powerful and Arianne King Comer, BEE’s Visual Artist-in-Residence, for the opportunity to co-create alongside our children, helping bring culture, creativity and storytelling to life through art and community collaboration.
“Together, we celebrate the power of representation, cultural storytelling and the brilliance of our children.”
Centering Black Children’s Literature
Black Children’s Book Week is a global celebration of Black children and those who ensure Black children are represented in books and other children’s media. The week is administered by Black Baby Books, a platform that helps families discover children’s books featuring Black characters.
Through this program, BEE Collective continues its commitment to arts education, literacy justice and culturally responsive storytelling that honors the Gullah Geechee legacy and strengthens community bonds across generations.
For information on future events, email adrienne@beecollective.co.
The program is made possible in part by Tri-County Play Collaborative, Clara Lionel Foundation and BEE Collective.