Tamara T. Butler’s ties to the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture run deep.

It started when she was in eighth grade at the Charleston County School of the Arts. She and a classmate had taken the top spot in the 100 Black Men of Charleston history competition, and, in recognition of their achievement, the Avery Research Center presented them with two books — They Came Before Columbus: The African Presence in Ancient America and Before the Mayflower: A History of Black America. It was a big moment for them, and they went on to represent South Carolina, ultimately winning at the national 100 Black Men of America competition. Read more here.