Celebrating Women’s History Month
March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the women shaping our world. At Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry, we celebrate the incredible impact of women mentors, leaders, and role models.
From Big Sisters guiding their Littles to community advocates creating opportunities, women play a vital role in shaping bright futures. Join us in uplifting the next generation – celebrate our women mentors, attend an event, or share inspiring stories.
Engaging with Women’s History Month in Charleston County offers a wonderful opportunity for Bigs, Littles, and families to learn and grow their connections. Here are several events in March 2025 that you might consider attending:
- Charleston’s Amazing Women of History: Join the Daniel Island Historical Society to celebrate Women’s History Month by spotlighting some of Charleston’s most impactful female residents. Historian Leigh Jones Handal will share stories of women who made a difference in their day and beyond. DETAILS: Monday, March 10, 2025, 7:00 PM at the Daniel Island Library (2301 Daniel Island Drive, Charleston, SC 29492). LEARN MORE
- Illuminating Voices: A One-on-One Spotlight Conversation with Khristi Lauren Adams: Attend an empowering and interactive discussion hosted by Khristi L. Adams, a renowned speaker, author, youth advocate, and ordained Baptist minister. Illuminating Voices will delve into faith and theology through the unique and powerful lens of Black girls’ experiences. This Womanish Theology discussion will center on the importance of amplifying the voices of Black women and girls, confronting the social inequalities that disproportionately impact them, and exploring how religion and spirituality intersect with race and gender. DETAILS: March 19 from 6:30-8:30 PM at the International African American Museum (14 Wharfside Street, Charleston, SC 29401) LEARN MORE
- The Credit One Charleston Open: Celebrating its 25th year in Charleston, the Credit One Charleston Open is North America’s largest women’s-only professional tennis tournament. This WTA 500 event marks the beginning of the clay court season, featuring top female athletes competing in both singles and doubles matches. DETAILS: March 29 to April 6 at Credit One Stadium (161 Seven Farms Drive, Charleston, SC 29492) LEARN MORE
Upcoming Events
March Match Activity: Arcade Fun at Stars & Strikes
Get ready for a morning of fun and games! Whether you’re chasing a high score or just playing for fun, this is the perfect chance to bond, compete, and create lasting memories with your Little.
📅 Date: March 16th
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Stars & Strikes, 4570 Ladson Rd, Summerville, SC 29485
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry Recognition Night @ Stingrays Game!
Join us on March 21st at 7:05 PM as the South Carolina Stingrays take on the Greenville Swamp Rabbits in an electrifying showdown!
$3 from every ticket will go directly to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry, supporting mentorship programs that make a difference in our community.
Ongoing Support Sessions for Bigs & Guardians
Attention, Bigs and Guardians! BBBSL will be offering optional virtual “office hours” where you can drop in at any time and chat with program staff and participants about concerns or questions. If needed, we’ll have guided discussion topics available. Join us to connect, share, and get the support you need!
Office Hours (Bigs): Wed. 3/19 (5-7 PM)
Office Hours (Guardians): Wed. 3/26 (5-7 PM)
Registration links have already been sent out, but please reach out to your match coordinator, Dana or Avery, for more information!
Match Safety: Who can you talk to if you have a concern about your Big?
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry is committed to ensuring that every match is safe, supportive, and positive for all involved. Sometimes, concerns may come up in a mentoring relationship, and it’s important to know who you can talk to if something doesn’t feel right. These concerns are not always about serious or sensitive topics—they can be about anything that affects your comfort or the success of the match.
For example, you might feel like your Big isn’t showing up consistently, that personalities don’t quite click, or that activities don’t feel fun or meaningful. Other times, you might notice a change in a Big’s behavior that makes you uneasy or have a more serious safety concern. No matter the situation, we are here to listen and support you. If you ever have a concern about your mentor—or any aspect of your mentoring relationship—your dedicated BBBSL match coordinator is your first point of contact. They are here to listen, support, and help address any concerns in a way that keeps everyone’s well-being at the forefront.
If you need additional support, BBBS of America has resources available to help navigate difficult situations. If you have a question or concern about a child’s safety or well-being, you can contact Big Brothers Big Sister’s helpline at childsafety@bbbsa.org or visit the Report A Concern page.
We believe in the power of mentoring and know that strong, healthy matches thrive when everyone feels comfortable and supported. If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out—we are here for you!
Updates from The BIG Beyond
Scholars attended a special 2-part speaker session with Matt Dorman, Director of Live Oak Mental Health and Wellness Center. During this open dialogue discussion, scholars gained insight on how to identify signs and symptoms that can point out potential challenges with mental health issues. Scholars were coached on how to spread awareness of mental health and reduce the stigma and bias associated with mental illness. They also examined best practices for reducing the time intervals of using social media and potentially falling into the trap of self-comparison or self-judging influenced by social media.
BIG Beyond started the month of February with our Black History Speaker Series featuring special guest, Mr. Damon Fordham. Mr. Fordham is a published author and professor at The Citadel, Springfield College, and College of Charleston. He is a public speaker notable for his works and contributions to African American History and Culture. His latest accomplishment is the release of his latest book, Black Folk Tales & Chronicles of South Carolina.
On February 19, junior scholars engaged in learning about apprenticeships, internships, and exploratory job shadowing with Chad Vail, Work Based Learning Partnerships Coordinator. Scholars asked pertinent questions about the appropriate steps to apply for a paid summer internship and the various fields to explore.
On February 21, BIG Beyond Students with interests in health professions attended the Ernest E. Just Symposium at MUSC sponsored by the Lowcountry Area Health Education Health Careers Program. Students spent the day learning and listening to leaders, researchers, scientists, and professionals in various healthcare industries. The day concluded with tours of cardiovascular perfusion and occupational therapy health simulation, labs, and an overview of the healthcare majors offered at MUSC.
The BIG Beyond Scholar Program and the Beta Mu Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. hosted the 2nd Annual Chucktown Youth Symposium. The keynote speaker was the Rev. Dr. Marion Platt, Executive Director of Star Gospel Mission. Break-out session leaders were Mr. Gregory Gibbs (financial literacy), Mr. Demetrious Bing (artist), Ms. Nia Swinton-Jenkins (entrepreneur, real estate, military), Mr. Devin Smalls (fashion designer and creative director), and Mr. Derrick Smalls (actor). Live entertainment was provided by national recording artist Jason Singleton and the Youth and Young Adult Choir, Minnie Hughes Elementary School, North Charleston High School Steppers and Dancers and music by DJ Dorian D Willz.
