The annual Black History Month Scavenger Hunt launched February 1 and is now underway across the Midlands.
The free, self-guided experience invites residents, families, students, and visitors to explore Columbia and surrounding communities while learning about local Black history, culture, and community impact through a digital platform on the Soda City Certified (SCC) app.
Participants travel to a variety of Black-owned businesses, historic sites, landmarks, and public art installations, collecting points by entering location-specific codes within the app. The format blends place-based education with interactive tourism, encouraging deeper engagement with the people and stories that have shaped the region.
Participating businesses and organizations include Columbia 63: Our Story, Bessie’s Burgers & More, The Purple Mushroom, The Toasty Hot Spot, Webhead Fitness, Vibez Coffee, Converspace, and Jabber & Isaac Law Firm, among others. Each stop offers insight into the businesses, leaders, and cultural institutions that continue to influence the Midlands.
“Black history isn’t something that only lives in textbooks; it lives in our neighborhoods, our businesses, our art, and our everyday stories,” said Khali Gallman, founder of the Soda City Certified® App. “This annual scavenger hunt is about making history accessible, interactive, and fun while encouraging people to truly explore the Midlands and support the spaces that continue to shape our community.”
Participation is free and open to the public, and the hunt runs throughout February. The first three participants to complete the full scavenger hunt will receive cash prizes.
Soda City Certified will launch a Women’s History Month scavenger hunt in March. The app also creates customized scavenger hunts for small groups and corporate team-building exercises.
The SCC app services Downtown Columbia, Forest Acres, West Columbia, Cayce, Harbison, Chapin, Northeast Columbia, Southeast Columbia, Lexington, Blythewood, Elgin, Irmo, St. Andrews, and Camden.
For more information, visit www.sodacitycertified.com
or email [email protected]