The annual Black History Month Scavenger Hunt launched February 1 and is now underway across the Midlands.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
For more information, visit www.sodacitycertified.com
or email hello@sodacitycertified.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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