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Solstice Party and Potluck

Solstice Party and Potluck

Let's gather to enjoy food, drink, good friends and the coming of longer days at the SHL 2025 Winter Solstice Celebration, hosted by Beth Balkite on Sunday, December 14th at The Overture apartment community, located at 7770 Farr St on Daniel Island. All are encouraged to bring drinks or a dish to...

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How should secular humanists relate to traditionally religious holidays?

How should secular humanists relate to traditionally religious holidays?

Join the Freethinkers’ Forum, on Thursday, December 4th, 2025 at 6:30 pm at the Keith Summey Library in North Charleston. We will be discussing the question, “How should secular humanists relate to traditionally religious holidays?

Many secular humanists come from religious backgrounds, and with that comes the question of holidays. Should we reject traditions like Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, or Diwali altogether — or can we embrace their cultural and familial aspects while leaving the theology behind? For some, secular adaptations bring joy and connection; for others, these holidays feel irrelevant or even uncomfortable. How do we decide what to keep, what to discard, and what new traditions to create?”

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Can secular humanism meet our spiritual needs?

Can secular humanism meet our spiritual needs?

Join the Freethinkers’ Forum onThursday, January 8, 2026 at 6:30 pm at the Keith Summey Library in North Charleston. We will be discussing the question, “Can secular humanism meet our spiritual needs?”

Religion has long claimed to be the source of meaning, transcendence, and connection — needs that are often called “spiritual.” But if we reject the supernatural, do those needs go away? Or do secular humanists also experience a yearning for awe, wonder, and a sense of belonging to something larger than ourselves? If so, how do we meet those needs without belief in gods, souls, or the afterlife?

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Are there ethical limits that should be imposed on the pursuit of science and technology?

Are there ethical limits that should be imposed on the pursuit of science and technology?

Join the Freethinkers’ Forum, tentatively scheduled for Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 6:30 pm at the Keith Summey Library in North Charleston. We will be discussing the question, “Are there ethical limits that should be imposed on the pursuit of science and technology?”

From the first stone tools to modern gene editing, human progress has always depended on science and technology — but not every advance leads to human flourishing. Emerging fields like artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and neurotechnology raise profound ethical questions about privacy, inequality, and what it means to be human. Are there limits that should be placed on scientific pursuit, and who should decide them — scientists, policymakers, or society at large? How can secular humanists balance our commitment to knowledge with our responsibility to ensure it serves humanity wisely?

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What are the political obligations of a secular humanist?

What are the political obligations of a secular humanist?

Join the Freethinkers’ Forum on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 6:30 pm at the Otranto Road Library in North Charleston (2261 Otranto Rd). We will be discussing the question, “What are the political obligations of a secular humanist?”

We’ll be meeting just after the 2025 general elections — a fitting time to reflect not only on outcomes, but on our responsibilities as secular humanists in a turbulent political climate. How much is enough? How do we live out our values of dignity, equality, and justice in public life without burning out? What are our obligations, and how do we balance civic engagement with personal well-being?

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Bugonia

Bugonia

Come see the film Bugonia with your non-religious friends from the Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry (SHL)! We are going to the 3:20 pm showing at the Citadel Stadium 16 theater in West Ashley on Sunday, November 2, 2025. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and starring Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons,...

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Charleston Black Pride Expo 2025

Charleston Black Pride Expo 2025

SHL had a table at the Charleston Black Pride 2025 Health, Wellness, and Talent Expo in Moncks Corner on November 1, 2025. It was a really fun event with food and entertainment, and concluded with a panel discussion about the trans experience.The Expo vendors included LGBTQIA+ advocacy...

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The November 2025 issue of The Separationist is out now!

The November 2025 issue of The Separationist is out now!

A large contingent of SHL members attended the Freedom From Religion Foundation's annual convention last month in Myrtle Beach, and we share their experiences. We've got Herb Silverman's welcoming remarks, as well as a story about what happened when Nancy Mace tried to score political points by...

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Freethinkers Under 40

Freethinkers Under 40

On Thursday, October 30th, we hosted our first-ever Reason on Tap: Young and Godless Happy Hour—a new initiative designed to create space for nonreligious adults under 40. Along with the return of programming for secular families, this marks an important step in our broader effort to diversify SHL...

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Freethinkers take first at pub trivia

Freethinkers take first at pub trivia

The Freethinkers trivia team was again victorious, tying for first place at the pub trivia competition at LG’s by the Creek in Hanahan on Wednesday, October 29th. A big shout-out to James for being our ringer, without whom we would not have done nearly so well.

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November 2025: How Minds Change by David McRaney

November 2025: How Minds Change by David McRaney

What made a prominent conspiracy-theorist YouTuber finally see that 9/11 was not a hoax? How do voter opinions shift from neutral to resolute? Can widespread social change only take place when a generation dies out? From one of our greatest thinkers on reasoning, HOW MINDS CHANGE is a book about the science, and the experience, of transformation.

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October 2025: Money, Lies, and God by Katherine Stewart

October 2025: Money, Lies, and God by Katherine Stewart

We are reading Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy by Katherine Stewart for our October book club meeting. The meeting will be held at 3 pm on Sunday, October 26th in Meeting Room B of the Main Public Library downtown. Metered street parking is free on Sundays,...

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October 2025 Adopt-A-Highway

October 2025 Adopt-A-Highway

On Sunday, October 26, 2025 nine members of the SHL community worked to make Charleston a bit better by pickup up trash on the side of the road.

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December 2025: The Project by David Graham

December 2025: The Project by David Graham

When President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, news spread about his implementation of Project 2025, a nearly 1,000-page document published by the conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation. The debates—and anxiety—surrounding this initiative have only increased as authors of the Project assume positions of power in the second Trump administration.

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Q4 2025: The Sustainability Institute

Q4 2025: The Sustainability Institute

We are pleased to announce that The Sustainability Institute has been selected as the Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry’s Q4 2025 Charity of the Quarter. We believe this is a particularly fitting choice for the fall and holiday season, as their work helps low-income families improve their...

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FFRF Convention

FFRF Convention

The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) held their 2025 national convention in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Having the country’s largest secular advocacy organization gathering right here in the home state of the Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry (SHL) created an incredible opportunity that...

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We Say No Kings!

We Say No Kings!

Today, all across the country Americans stood together to say, “No Kings!” We oppose the anti-American authoritarian take-over of the Trump regime and the complicity of the collaborators in the Republican party. An estimated 7 million people protested today in overwhelmingly peaceful...

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Herb Sells Out!

Herb Sells Out!

SHL Founder Herb Silverman opened the 2025 Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) convention with a welcoming address with his usual wit and charm. He then received an award for his service to the secular community, and proceeded to sell out of the three boxes of books he bought, leaving some...

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Post & Courier Covers SINO Protest

Post & Courier Covers SINO Protest

The Post & Courier did a great feature on the October 12, 2025 SINO protests, and SHL participants are featured prominently in the photos and story. https://www.postandcourier.com/charleston_sc/charleston-protest-first-amendment-permit-ordinance/article_a37a4e05-45a1-4652-876e-1726da05e833.html

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Oct 12th Pop-Up Protest

Oct 12th Pop-Up Protest

Cold rain couldn’t stop our committed secular activists! On Sunday, October 12, 2025, members of SHL braved the dreary weather to stand in front of Charleston City Hall in defense of First Amendment freedoms—protecting the separation of church and state, free speech, and the right to assemble....

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SHL @ Charleston Pride Festival 2025

SHL @ Charleston Pride Festival 2025

The 2025 Charleston Pride Festival, held Saturday, October 11th, may have been cold and rainy, but that didn’t dampen our spirits! We’re so grateful to all the dedicated volunteers who braved the weather to represent SHL and share our message of inclusion and humanist values. Despite the chill,...

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Are some book bans justifiable?

Are some book bans justifiable?

Join the Freethinkers’ Forum on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 6:30 pm at the Keith Summey Library in North Charleston (3503 Rivers Ave). We will be discussing the question, “Are some book bans justifiable?”

We’re meeting during Banned Books Week (October 5–11) — a time when we celebrate the freedom to read and push back against censorship, especially when it targets books that address race, gender, sexuality, or other marginalized perspectives. But what about books that many consider deeply harmful—racist propaganda, calls to violence, or works filled with toxic stereotypes? As humanists, we champion intellectual freedom, yet we also value ethical responsibility. We will try to grapple with the tension between protecting free expression and recognizing the real-world harm certain books can cause.

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One Battle After Another

One Battle After Another

We are going to the 4:30 pm showing at the Citadel Mall Stadium 16 theater in West Ashley on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

After the movie those who wish will be going to Santi’s Restaurante Mexicano, located at 1660 Savannah Hwy in West Ashley, for drinks, food and to discuss the film.

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Oct ’25 Feminist Magic Market

Oct ’25 Feminist Magic Market

We tabled at the Feminist Magic Market in Park Circle on Sunday, October 5, 2025. It was a lively day of community connection, creativity, and conversation. We had the opportunity to promote the vibrant secular community here in the Lowcountry and show our support for local artists, makers, and...

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The October 2025 issue of The Separationist is out now!

The October 2025 issue of The Separationist is out now!

South Carolina is #1 in state mandated book bans. This month we are focused on pushing back against Christian nationalist infringement on our freedom to read.Here is what is in the issue: From the Epicenter of Book BanningThe present campaign to remove books from libraries is part of a larger...

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Q3 2025: Just Bee

Q3 2025: Just Bee

We raised $695 for our Q3 2025 Charity of the Quarter, Just Bee, a South Carolina-based nonprofit advocating for the Autistic and Neurodivergent community.

Founded by Layla Luna, a passionate mother and advocate inspired by her nonverbal Autistic son, Just Bee is building a world where neurodivergent individuals are not only seen—but understood, supported, and celebrated. From pushing landmark legislation like Rio’s Law—which created the first license plate in the country alerting first responders to an autistic passenger—to launching educational outreach programs like Just Bee My Friend, Layla and her team are creating tangible change in our communities.

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Volunteer at the Feminist Magic Market

Volunteer at the Feminist Magic Market

The Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry are excited to join the fun again at the Feminist Magic Market on Sunday, October 5th from 11 to 4pm. We'll be joining 9 other great non-profits in the Give Back Garden behind Itinerant Books in Park Circle. We will have all the best Humanist swag! Grab some...

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Trivia Night @ Mex 1 in West Ashely

Trivia Night @ Mex 1 in West Ashely

On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, fourteen faith-free friends got together for Trivia Night at Mex 1 Coastal Cantina in West Ashley. We played as two teams of 7, with team names Didn't Get Raptured, and Something You Can't Say Out Loud. Team Didn't Get Raptured bet it all and lost bigly. Team...

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Kayaking Adventure

Kayaking Adventure

On September 21, 2025, 15 Happy humanists had a great time on a gorgeous day kayaking in the marshes off Bowen Island.Ready to get out of the city and enjoy the Lowcountry’s gems? As the heat and humidity fade with autumn, join other SHL members for an afternoon kayaking among the salt grass....

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The Roses

The Roses

We are going to the 11:10 am showing at the Regal Palmetto Grande in Mt Pleasant on Sunday, September 14, 2025.

After the movie those who wish will be going to PF Chang’s , located at 1885 N Highway 17 near the theater, for drinks, food and to discuss the film.

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Karaoke Night

Karaoke Night

We had a great turnout and a ton of fun at our Karaoke Night on Friday, September 12, 2025. Special thanks to Deb & Rob Britt for hosting, and to everyone who made it such a fun evening!Join the Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry for Karaoke Night—a night of music, laughter, and community at...

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Pride T-Shirts

Pride T-Shirts

Show your pride and your humanist values with SHL’s brand-new Pride t-shirts! 🎉 We’ve got two bold designs—“Gay the Pray Away” and “Straight But Not Narrow”—available in a wide range of colors and women's v-neck style so you can find the one that’s just right for you. Order by September 19th in...

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The Resistance Lab Organizing Training

The Resistance Lab Organizing Training

We had 13 people at our Resistance Lab watch party and workshop on Sunday, September 7, 2025.For our September Activist Sunday, SHL is hosting a watch party for The Resistance Lab Organizing Training with Rep. Pramila Jayapal at 1:30 pm on Sunday, September 7, 2025 at the We Are Family LGBTQIA+...

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Can humans actually solve our problems?

Can humans actually solve our problems?

Join the Freethinkers’ Forum on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 6 pm at the Keith Summey Library in North Charleston (3503 Rivers Ave). We will be discussing the question, “Can humans actually solve our problems?”

Secular humanism is a fundamentally optimistic worldview. It affirms that, through cooperation, reason, science, and evidence-based policy, humans can solve the problems we face — from injustice and inequality to climate change and global conflict. Humanism places trust in our collective ability to build a better world.

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Workers Over Billionaires Labor Day Protest

Workers Over Billionaires Labor Day Protest

Today, we joined the nationwide Workers Over Billionaires mobilization. More than a dozen SHL activists joined over 160 Lowcountry residents for the 50-50-1 SC organized protest. This was one of more than 1,000 protests across the country. I haven’t found a reliable estimate for the total number...

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The September issue of The Separationist is out now!

The September issue of The Separationist is out now!

This month we set out a plan for increasing the diversity of SHL, report good news from the American Humanist Association, remember Tom Lehrer, stand up against book bans, and report on a new partnership with Recovering From Religion. We’ve also got all the regular SHL volunteer service and...

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Workers Over Billionaires Nationwide Mobilization & Protest

Workers Over Billionaires Nationwide Mobilization & Protest

In coordination with 50-50-1 and May Day Strong, SHL will be joining activists across the country for a nationwide mobilization on Labor Day: Workers Over Billionaires! We will be rallying on Monday, September 1st from 10 am to noon on Remount Rd in Hanahan from Yeamans Hall Rd to the IGA (see map...

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September 2025 Lowcountry Foodbank

September 2025 Lowcountry Foodbank

SHL is volunteering to work at the Lowcountry Food Bank, located at 2864 Azalea Dr in Charleston, on Tuesday, September 9th from 1 – 3 PM. Volunteers work in the warehouse, helping to inspect food donations, sort fresh produce, and pack food, ensuring that it is ready to be distributed throughout the community. Upon arrival, please check in at the front desk.

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September 2025 Adopt-A-Highway

September 2025 Adopt-A-Highway

SHL is volunteering to clean a 2-mile portion of Azalea Drive across from the Bend on Sunday September 28th starting at 9:30 AM. Volunteers can park at 3775 Azalea Dr in North Charleston.

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Petition in opposition to ICE detention camp in SC

Petition in opposition to ICE detention camp in SC

We are sharing this petition from the ACLU of South Carolina with our Secular Activists.

Anti-immigrant politicians want to build a version of Florida’s disastrous Alligator Alcatraz facility here in South Carolina. We, the undersigned, say “Not in our names.”

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Game Day, August 2025

Game Day, August 2025

For our August member gathering we are holding a Game Day in the auditorium of the Charleston Country Public Library at 68 Calhoun St in Charleston on Sunday, August 17th, starting at 2:30 pm. Get ready for an afternoon of fun, laughter, and a little friendly competition playing board games! This...

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Get Text Notifications from SHL

Get Text Notifications from SHL

To sign up to receive SMS text message notifications from SHL just text JOIN to 843-868-8357 Receive event announcements, reminders and SHL news, and quick updates straight to your phone. Never miss out on what’s happening in our community! A few notes about our text notifications: Our text...

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Code of Conduct for the Freethinkers’ Forum

Code of Conduct This group exists to promote thoughtful, open-minded discussion on topics of ethics, science, philosophy, politics, and the human experience. We value reason, compassion, curiosity, and dialogue. To maintain a space where all participants feel welcome to contribute, we ask all...

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Are you anti-religious?

Are you anti-religious?

Discussion prompt: Are you anti-religious? SHL, as an organization, is fundamentally NOT anti-religious. We are defenders of religious freedom and believe that everyone should have the right to believe (or not believe) and practice their religion (or lack thereof) as they see fit–so long as doing...

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Oh, Hi!

Oh, Hi!

We are going to the 12:15 pm showing at Citadel Mall Stadium 16 Theater on Sunday, August 3, 2025.

After the movie those who wish will be going to the lunch buffet at Zen Asian Fusion Restaurant, located at 2037 Sam Rittenberg Blvd in West Ashley, for drinks, food and to discuss the film.

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Rage Against the Regime Protest

Rage Against the Regime Protest

On Saturday, August 2, 2025 SHL members joined around 130 other activists from around the lowcountry to Rage Against the Regime, as part of a nation wide mobilization to support democracy and resist the authoritarian actions of the Trump regime.

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The August issue of The Separationist is out now!

The August issue of The Separationist is out now!

The Separationist is now a FREE Substack newsletter. We have transitioned from MailChimp to the Substack platform. YOU DO NOT NEED TO SUBSCRIBE, REGISTER FOR SUBSTACK OR INSTALL THE SUBSTACK APP TO ACCESS ANY OF OUR CONTENT. Substack is persistent in its effort to get you to subscribe, sign up for...

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Autism Awareness and Advocacy with Layla Luna

Autism Awareness and Advocacy with Layla Luna

On Sunday, July 20th, SHL has the honor of hosting Layla Luna, CEO of Just Bee, as our speaker. Founded by Layla Luna and inspired by her nonverbal Autistic son, Just Bee is a nonprofit working to make communities safer, more inclusive, and welcoming for the Autistic and Neurodivergent community....

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The Phoenician Scheme

The Phoenician Scheme

We are going to the 2:40 pm showing at the Terrace Theater on Sunday, July 6th.

After the movie those who wish will be going to Pho Saigon, located at 1739 Maybank Hwy, for drinks, food and to discuss the film.

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Introducing the Freethinkers’ Forum

Introducing the Freethinkers’ Forum

We are launching a monthly discussion group, tentatively called the Freethinkers’ Forum. The purpose of these gatherings will be to discuss topics of interest to freethinkers, atheists, agnostics and other non-religious people. We hope to foster respectful dialogue on interesting and...

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The Separationist is now on Substack

Starting July 2025, The Separationist is a FREE Substack newsletter. We have transitioned from MailChimp to the Substack platform. YOU DO NOT NEED TO SUBSCRIBE, REGISTER FOR SUBSTACK OR INSTALL THE SUBSTACK APP TO ACCESS ANY OF OUR CONTENT. Substack is persistent in its effort to get you to...

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The July issue of The Separationist is out now!

The July issue of The Separationist is out now!

The Separationist is now a FREE Substack newsletter. We have transitioned from MailChimp to the Substack platform. YOU DO NOT NEED TO SUBSCRIBE, REGISTER FOR SUBSTACK OR INSTALL THE SUBSTACK APP TO ACCESS ANY OF OUR CONTENT. Substack is persistent in its effort to get you to subscribe, sign up for...

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Q2 2025: AFFA-SC

Q2 2025: AFFA-SC

We raised $962 for our Q2 2025 Charity of the Quarter, the Alliance for Full Acceptance, South Carolina (AFFA-SC). Their mission is to achieve, nurture, and defend equality and full acceptance for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people. They work to dispel the myths and...

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We Text Now!

We Text Now!

To better connect with our community, we are rolling out text message alerts! Back in May we tried to roll out text message alerts only to discover that the sign-up form removed people from our mailing lists, so we shut it down. We have a new way to sign up for text notifications, so we are...

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June 2025 Adopt-A-Highway

June 2025 Adopt-A-Highway

We had a great turnout for our highway cleanup on Sunday, June 22nd. 12 members of our community got out in the summer heat and picked up trash on a section of Azalea Drive in North Charleston. We are moving forward with an official Adopt-A-Highway sponsorship and will continue doing trash pickups...

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50501 Protest in Charleston on June 15, 2025

50501 Protest in Charleston on June 15, 2025

We had another great turnout for the protest on Sunday, June 15, 2025 at Brittlebank Park in Charleston. More than a dozen SHL members joined motivated citizens from around the lowcountry to stand up for democracy, freedom and equality. It was another completely peaceful protest, and the police...

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No Kings Nationwide Day of Defiance

No Kings Nationwide Day of Defiance

At least 20 members of the SHL community joined with thousands of other protestors from around the lowcountry to demonstrate against the Trump regime for the Indivisible organized No Kings Nationwide Day of Defiance on Saturday, June 14th, 2025. There are 35 photos in the album below. Additional...

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SHL Celebrates Pride with Park Circle

SHL Celebrates Pride with Park Circle

We are also celebrating Pride this weekend, reveling in the truth that we humans are diverse, beautiful, and can live joyously as our authentic selves. Come by our table at the Park Circle Pride Block Party today between 2 and 8 pm and grab your “Gay Away the Pray” buttons (while supplies last)....

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TRUTH: What is it and how do we know?

TRUTH: What is it and how do we know?

Truth seems like a basic concept we all understand, and yet for nearly 2,500 years—since the time of Socrates and Plato—Western philosophers have wrestled with the question: What is truth? Fascist, right-wing, authoritarian governance depends on the subordination of truth. And with fascism on the...

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Dogma 25th Anniversary Screening

Dogma 25th Anniversary Screening

The 25th anniversary screenings of Dogma, titled "Dogma: Resurrected! A 25th Anniversary Celebration", will take place on June 5, 2025, across over 1,500 theaters in the U.S. and Canada, and the SHL Movie Club is going! These special events feature a newly remastered 4K version of the film,...

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Friendship

Friendship

We are going to the 11 am showing at Citadel Mall Stadium 16 Theater on Sunday, June 1, 2025.

After the movie those who wish will be going to the lunch buffet at Taste of India, located at 1280 Sam Rittenberg Blvd in West Ashley, for drinks, food and to discuss the film.

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The June issue of The Separationist is out now!

The June issue of The Separationist is out now!

The June 2025 issue of The Separationist is out now. Here is what is in the issue:   Extending the Rainbow The inclusion and representation of intersex people is critical to combating Christian nationalists’ radical gender ideology and preserving freedom for all of us.   Join SHL at Park...

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🔥 The SHL Shirt You’ve Been Waiting For

🔥 The SHL Shirt You’ve Been Waiting For

It’s been years since SHL dropped a shirt—but we’re back and louder than ever. Our brand-new protest tee is here, just in time to wear to the rallies, marches, and meetups that matter most. This bold design is just the beginning—more shirt styles are on the way. Keep an eye out for future merch...

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Spring Potluck Picnic & Board Election 2025

Spring Potluck Picnic & Board Election 2025

On Sunday, May 18th, we had our annual spring potluck picnic and board elections. The current board was unanimously affirmed for another year of service. The board members are Bonnie Cleaveland (vice-president), Tucker Lentz (treasurer), Diane Burns (secretary), Madelyne Adams, Susie Adams, Deb...

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Spring Potluck Picnic & Board Election

Spring Potluck Picnic & Board Election

Join us at 11:30 am on Sunday, May 18th for SHL's annual spring picnic at Wannamaker County Park, and enjoy food and fellowship with your humanist friends. We encourage people to share what they plan to bring in the comments on Meetup. If you've never been to an SHL event, we'd especially like to...

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Lowcountry Food Bank (May 2025)

Lowcountry Food Bank (May 2025)

At SHL we continue to look for opportunities to serve the community. On a Saturday morning in May a small group of SHL members, Diane Burns, Diane Laubengayer, Madeylne Adams, Charles Richardson and Tucker Lentz, joined a larger group of volunteers at the Lowcountry Food Bank. The job for the day...

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The Amateur

The Amateur

We are going to the 12:15 showing at Citadel Mall Stadium 16 Theater on Sunday, May 4, 2025.

After the movie those who wish will be going to Taste of Thai, located at 874 Orleans Rd in West Ashley (very close to the theater), for drinks, food and to discuss the film.

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The May issue of The Separationist is out now!

The May issue of The Separationist is out now!

The May issue of The Separationist is out now. Here is what is in the issue: Service to AmericaTucker Lentz shares the extraordinary story of Art Allen, a public servant responsible for saving thousands of lives, and an example of why public service matters. May Commitment: Service &...

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Additional Earth Month Events

Additional Earth Month Events

In addition to our tour of the Recycling Center on April 10th, we are promoting two other opportunities to learn more about waste management and sustainable living in the lowcountry. These are public events put on by the facility operators for the general public so they will not be on our Meetup....

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Together in Community Rally/Protest

Together in Community Rally/Protest

On Saturday, April 19th, in Charleston SHL members stood "Together in Community" with many other patriots here, across the state and around the country to oppose the Trump Catastrophe and stand up for freedom, equality and democracy. The Charleston rally was covered in the local news, and national...

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Secular Activists Working Together

Secular Activists Working Together

On Sunday, April 13th we gathered to write postcards to our state senators to ask them to oppose the bill that would end Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs in SC, and to Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott to ask them to oppose the SAVE Act which could disenfranchise millions of...

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Recycling Center Tour

Recycling Center Tour

For our April member gathering, on April 10, 2025, we took a tour of the Charleston Recycling Center–formally the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). Many thanks to Christina Moskos, the Program Manager for Charleston County Environmental Management, for facilitating our tour. It was a really...

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Remove, Reverse, Reclaim Protest

Remove, Reverse, Reclaim Protest

On Saturday, April 12, 2025, members of SHL came together with progressive activists from around the lowcountry to protest the Trump Catastrophe and to stand up for freedom, equality and democracy. The protest took place on James Island in Charleston, South Carolina, along the busy Folly Road...

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Recycling Center Tour

Recycling Center Tour

April is Earth Month and with the Trump administration’s complete abandonment of the fight against climate change, assault on science, and erasure of basic facts relating to environmental science, it is more important, and more challenging than ever to live out the humanist value of...

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The Penguin Lessons

The Penguin Lessons

We are going to the 12:20 pm showing at Regal Palmetto Grande in Mt Pleasant on Sunday, April 6, 2025.

After the movie those who wish will be going out for food and drinks

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Hands Off! Protests

Hands Off! Protests

Today, people all over the country mobilized to say "Hands Off! to Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Trump & Musk are acting like this country belongs to them. They're taking everything they can get their hands on, and daring the world to stop them. This mass mobilization was a message to the world...

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The Separationist, April 2025: Talking Trash

The Separationist, April 2025: Talking Trash

The April issue of The Separationist is out now! Here is what’s in this issue:   Talking Trash Waste management is incredibly important, but usually taken for granted. In celebration of Earth Month we are calling attention to our role in effective waste management.   Recycling Center...

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Q1 2025: Tri-County S.P.E.A.K.S.

Q1 2025: Tri-County S.P.E.A.K.S.

We raised $1,685 for our Q1 2025 Charity of the Quarter, Tri-County S.P.E.A.K.S. Sexual Assault Center (TCS, formerly People Against Rape). TCS is a sexual assault advocacy program offering free support and services for adult survivors of sexual assault in Charleston, Dorchester, and Berkeley...

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Talking Trash

Waste management is incredibly important, but usually taken for granted. In celebration of Earth Month we are calling attention to our role in effective waste management.

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Talking Trash Test

There is an episode of AMC’s Mad Men⸸ where Don Draper, the show’s main character, is on a roadtrip with his family. They stop on the side of the road for a picnic, and when they leave, they causally leave behind all their trash. I remember watching the scene when it first aired and being stunned....

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Standing Together for Progressive Values

Standing Together for Progressive Values

This weekend SHL members came together to stand up for progressive values. On Saturday morning, April 15th, 14 of us joined a large team of volunteers with Park Circle Cares to fight food insecurity by distributing food to anyone who shows up.Later in the afternoon 9 of us came together for the...

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#IdesOfTrump Postcard Writing Party

#IdesOfTrump Postcard Writing Party

We are having a postcard writing party for the #IdesOfTrump campaign at noon on the Ides of March, Saturday, March 15th. Bonnie Cleaveland is hosting the party near Park Circle. We will take advantage of this wonderful seasonal weather, and have our party under the outdoor pavilion near the grills...

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Nature Walk Photos

Nature Walk Photos

For our March member gathering we had a naturalist-led bird and wildlife nature walk at Wannamaker County Park on Saturday, March 8, 2025.

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Women’s March 2025

Women’s March 2025

On March 8, 2025, International Women's Day, there was a large protest and march that started in Quarterman Park and marched around Park Circle. Several SHL members rallied and marched!There were tons of great signs at the protest. See more signs in extra photos from the rally here. 

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Stand Up for Science Protest and Rally

Stand Up for Science Protest and Rally

On Friday, March 7, 2025 there was a nation wide protest to Stand Up for Science. SHL members helped MUSC professor Kristen Engevik organize the South Carolina protest and rally at the State House in Columbia. Additional photos from Stavert Photography can be seen here.

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Nature Walk

Nature Walk

For our March member gathering we are going on a naturalist-led nature walk at Wannamaker County Park In North Charleston.  To RSVP, please email shl@lowcountryhumanists.org, and tell us how many are in your party. We will reply to confirm your spot.  The walk will be at 9 am on Saturday, March...

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March 4th Protest at Hampton Park in Charleston

March 4th Protest at Hampton Park in Charleston

50501: The People's Movement organized a protest to Unite Against Oppression & Dictatorship on Tuesday, March 4th at Hampton Park in Charleston. #fiftyfiftyone At least half-a-dozen SHL members showed up to defend our democracy and stand up for human rights.

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Protest Tuesday, March 4th at Hampton Park in Charleston

For those of you who missed the chance to protest on the State House steps, there is another opportunity Tuesday, March 4th right here in Charleston. Protesters will meet at Hampton Park at noon. The event is permitted and will include speakers and a march around the park. So grab some friends,...

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My Dead Friend Zoe

My Dead Friend Zoe

We are going to the 3:55 showing at Citadel Mall Stadium 16 Theater on Sunday, March 2, 2025.

After the movie those who wish will be going to Los Reyes Mexican Restaurant in West Ashley, located at about 1.5 miles from the theater at 1119 Wapoo Rd, for drinks, food and to discuss the film.

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The Separationist, March 2025: Godless Women

The Separationist, March 2025: Godless Women

The March 2025 issue of the Separationist is now online! Here is what is in the newsletter: Godless WomenFor women’s history month we profile several lesser known Secular Humanist women. Turnaway Study by Richard CookResearch shows that women denied access to reproductive care have worse outcomes...

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No Kings on President’s Day Protest

No Kings on President’s Day Protest

SHL participated in a nation wide protest on President's Day 2025 to oppose the illegal and immoral actions of the Trump administration. We joined concerned citizens from around the state at the SC State House in Columbia. This protest is part of the #50501 movement: 50 protests in 50 states on 1...

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President’s Day Protest

President’s Day Protest

Join your humanist friends for a national day of protest on at noon on President’s Day, Monday, Feb 17th at the Statehouse grounds in Columbia. Be a part of history, as a protest is happening at every state capitol in the country!   If you want to carpool, send a message with your address and...

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Activist Sunday

Activist Sunday

We had 41 people come out to our first Activist Sunday. We wrote 137 postcards to our SC state senators and representatives asking them to oppose bills that violate the separation of church and state, and are inconsistent with our humanist values.

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The Good News

The Good News

This blog post is republished from the February 2025 issue of The Separationist.The Good News by Tucker Lentz The news is dark—so very, very dark. My mind keeps returning to the Night on Bald Mountain scene in Disney’s 1940 spectacle Fantasia. As night falls, the mountain’s peak transforms into a...

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The February issue of The Separationist is out now!

The February issue of The Separationist is out now!

In this issue: The Good News To offset the darkness of the daily news, we will highlight good news stories.   Activist Sunday: Take Action! Announcing the first monthly organizing meeting for secular activists.   Activist Corner There are some bad bills coming through the SC legislature....

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The Brutalist

The Brutalist

We are going to the 2:00 showing at Citadel Mall Stadium 16 Theater on Sunday, February 2, 2025.

After the movie those who wish will be going to Taste of India, located at 1280 Sam Rittenberg Blvd in West Ashley, for drinks, food and to discuss the film.

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Intergenerational Organizing with Marcus McDonald

Intergenerational Organizing with Marcus McDonald

For our February member gathering we welcome Marcus McDonald for a discussion of the importance of intergenerational organizing. Many of us feel frustrated by societal issues but are unsure how to contribute effectively. Marcus will share insights from his work with Charleston Black Lives Matter...

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The 2nd Sunday is now Activist Sunday

The 2nd Sunday is now Activist Sunday

Starting February 9th, the 2nd Sunday of each month will be Activist Sunday.  Wondering what to do about democracy slipping away? Join SHL for our first monthly Activist Sunday. Monthly, secular activists will gather with community activists and those who want to take action. We’ll bring together...

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SHL Board Game Day

SHL Board Game Day

Come to Game Day with the Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry, hosted by Chuck and Ann Hammond. Get ready for an afternoon of fun, laughter, and a little friendly competition playing board games! This is the perfect chance to connect with fellow members, enjoy some lighthearted rivalry, and show...

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Special Election on Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Special Election on Tuesday, January 21, 2025

We want to raise awareness of the special election for SC House District 113 happening on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. District 113 covers most of North Charleston and parts of Lincolnville, Ladson and Summerville. This particular election is the Democratic Primary for the seat, but there are no...

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American Atheists’ State of the Secular States Report

American Atheists’ State of the Secular States Report

Our friends at American Atheists have launched the 2025 State of the Secular States Report, which you can download at https://states.atheists.org/ If you’re on their mailing list you may have already gotten an email about it but here is the press release if you missed it! They are having a webinar...

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A Complete Unknown

A Complete Unknown

We are going to the 3:10 showing at Citadel Mall Stadium 16 Theater on Sunday, January 5, 2025.

After the movie those who wish will be going to Ireland’s Own in West Ashley, located at about 1.5 miles from the theater at 3025 Ashley Town Center Dr, for drinks, food and to discuss the film.

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Q4 2024: Park Circle Cares

Q4 2024: Park Circle Cares

We have raised $960 for Park Circle Cares, our Q4 2024 Charity of the Quarter. Park Circle Cares is a non-faith based, non-profit organization created in 2016 to assist people in the lowcountry who struggle with food insecurity. Park Circle Cares is a member agency with the Lowcountry Food Bank,...

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Last Call for Donations to Park Circle Cares

Last Call for Donations to Park Circle Cares

So far we have raised $740 for Park Circle Cares, our Q4 Charity of the Quarter. There is a little more than one day left in the quarter, so it isn’t too late to contribute!We are going to continue to support Park Circle Cares with volunteer service at their monthly food distributions on the 3rd...

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Solstice Party and Potluck

Solstice Party and Potluck

Let's gather to enjoy food, drink, good friends and the coming of longer days at the SHL 2024 Winter Solstice Celebration, hosted by Susie Adams at the Overture apartment community on Daniel Island. All are encouraged to bring drinks or a dish to share. Ugly sweaters are also encouraged. 5:30 pm...

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New Article by Herb Silverman: Values and Purposes

by Herb Silverman What is the number one purpose of human existence? The primary biological purpose of every living thing, including humans, is to replicate so the species will survive. This is as true today as it was in prehistoric times. Charles Darwin showed that human are animals in a long...

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New LTE by Herb Silverman: Don’t Put Ten Commandments in Schools

https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/opinion-letters-isle-of-palms-parking-ten-commandments-vets/article_39a2af66-a2ca-11ef-800a-9346268759a6.html Ten Commandments An Associated Press article by Sara Cline and Kevin McGill, published last month, was about Louisiana wanting to...

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Die Hard!

Die Hard!

Die Hard won our vote for favorite holiday movie. Join us on Sunday, December 1st at 5 pm at Deb & Rob Britt’s house. You can park on the street, but please don’t block any of the neighbors’ driveways. We will order pizza, but you are also invited to bring any snacks, treats or beverages you’d like to share.

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What do we do now? A Group Discussion

What do we do now? A Group Discussion

Join your humanist friends at the Charleston Public Library, Main Branch (68 Calhoun St), for a group discussion about what we do now. There is no speaker, or pre-planned program. This will just be a group of concerned humanists getting together to support one another, and to discuss our feelings...

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Heretic

Heretic

We are going to the 3:55 showing at Citadel Mall Stadium 16 Theater on Sunday, November 10, 2024.

After the movie those who wish will be going to Taste of Thai in West Ashley, located at 874 Orleans Rd near the theater, for drinks, food and to discuss the film.

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Conclave

Conclave

We are going to the 3:35 showing at Citadel Mall Stadium 16 Theater on Sunday, November 3, 2024.

After the movie those who wish will be going to Santis Restaurante Mexicano in West Ashley, located at 1660 Savannah Hwy, for drinks, food and to discuss the film.

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Comfort Food Potluck

Comfort Food Potluck

Many of us are feeling anxiety about the upcoming election, and while we remain committed to working hard in the fight to uphold the separation of church and state, we also need to take time for self-care. So let’s celebrate the beauty and resilience of our unique community with comfort food and...

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Join or Die

Join or Die

The Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry are hosting a screening of the documentary Join or Die on Sunday, October 6th at 2:30 pm in the auditorium of the Charleston Public Library, main branch.

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Q3 2024: Be The Ones

Q3 2024: Be The Ones

We raised $755 for our Q3 2024 Charity of the Quarter, Be The Ones! Be The Ones is a nonpartisan grassroots organization working to promote greater political participation throughout the southeast. At the beginning of the quarter Cate Mayer from Be The Ones facilitated a voter registration for our...

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Banned Together

Banned Together

Monday, September 23rd, there is a free screening of the new documentary Banned Together at the Terrace Theater. Banned Together follows three young women in Beaufort, SC during their senior year of high school as they fight hostile community members and school board officials to reinstate 97...

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Media Literacy: Critical Thinking for the 21st Century

Media Literacy: Critical Thinking for the 21st Century

Join your humanists friends for our September member gathering where Frank W. Baker will be leading an interactive workshop on Media Literacy: Critical Thinking for the 21st Century. Frank W. Baker is highly lauded in the field of media literacy. He is a former Educational Consultant at SCETV, and...

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Between the Temples

Between the Temples

We are going to the 4:20 showing at Terrace Theater on Sunday, September 1, 2024.

After the movie those who wish will go to Maybank Public House for drinks, food and to discuss the film. The pub is right next to the theater at 1970 Maybank Highway on James Island.

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Wicked Little Letters

Wicked Little Letters

We are going to the 4:20 showing at Terrace Theater on Sunday, September 1, 2024.

After the movie those who wish will go to Maybank Public House for drinks, food and to discuss the film. The pub is right next to the theater at 1970 Maybank Highway on James Island.

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Train to Register Voters

Train to Register Voters

If the November election is a turn toward fascism, will you regret what you didn’t do? Only about half of registered voters in SC typically vote in national elections between presidential election years, and only about 6% vote in state and local elections. We need more voters to vote in those...

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Thelma

Thelma

We are going to the 4:40 showing at Terrace Theater on Sunday, July 7, 2024.

After the movie those who wish will be going to Pho Saigon, located just up the road from the theater at 1739 Maybank Highway on James Island, for drinks, food and to discuss the film.

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Q2 2024: The Navigation Center

Q2 2024: The Navigation Center

We raised $650 for our Q2 2024 Charity of the Quarter, The Navigation Center. Marie Elana Roland from the Navigation Center came and spoke to us at our March Member gathering to tell us about their work. The Navigation Center takes a multi-faceted approach to helping those who are unhoused or...

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Gone Baby Gone

Gone Baby Gone

At our recent member gathering where we learned about Metaethics, the 2007 film Gone Baby Gone was recommended for featuring the best moral dilemma in a movie ever. Deb and Rob Britt offered to host a movie night to watch the film. We are doing that next Saturday, June 29th at 6:30 pm. There is...

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Good Without God….but How?

Good Without God….but How?

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." This is a foundational idea of American culture and society, but what if you don't...

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Furiosa

Furiosa

We are going to the 5:50 showing at Citadel Mall Stadium 16 Theater on Sunday, June 2, 2024.

After the movie those who wish will be going to Whiskey Jack’s, located at 2049 Savannah Hwy in West Ashley, for drinks, food and to discuss the film.

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Spring Potluck Picnic & Election

Spring Potluck Picnic & Election

Join us Sunday, May 19th for SHL's annual spring picnic at Wannamaker County Park at 11:30 am, and enjoy food and fellowship with your humanist friends. We have created an optional sign-up sheet where you can see what other people are bringing and list what you will be bringing. This may be...

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Challengers

Challengers

We are going to the 3:20 PM showing at the Citadel Mall Stadium 16 Theater on Sunday, May 5, 2024.

After the movie those who wish will be going to Taste of India, located at 1280 Sam Rittenberg Blvd in West Ashley, for drinks, food and to discuss the film.

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Capers Island Wildlife Exploration

Capers Island Wildlife Exploration

Join your friends from SHL on a nature adventure to Capers Island Heritage Preserve. Capers Island is a pristine barrier island just north of Charleston that is only accessible by boat. We will cruise through winding tidal creeks to find diverse wildlife living in this salt marsh ecosystem. A...

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God & Country

God & Country

The Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry are hosting a screening of the documentary God & Country on Sunday, April 7th at 2:30 pm in the auditorium of the Charleston Public Library, main branch.

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Q1 2024: Fresh Future Farms

Q1 2024: Fresh Future Farms

We raised $665 for our Q1 2024 Charity of the Quarter, Fresh Future Farm. Fresh Future Farm was established in 2014 to bring fresh food to the Chicora-Cherokee community—a neighborhood in North Charleston located between Spruill and Rivers Avenue, extending from McMillan Avenue to Jacksonville...

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March Member Gathering featuring Dr. Lisa Ross

March Member Gathering featuring Dr. Lisa Ross

March is Women's history month and for our member gathering we are excited to welcome Dr. Lisa Ross. Dr. Ross is a professor of social psychology at the College of Charleston. In addition to psychology classes, she teaches in the Women’s and Gender Studies program as well as the Environmental and...

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Dune Part 2

Dune Part 2

We are going to the 3:45 PM showing at the Citadel Mall Stadium 16 Theater on Sunday, March 3, 2024.

After the movie those who wish will be going for drinks, food and to discuss the film at Ginza Japanese Grill, located at 946 Orleans Rd in West Ashley, next to Monster Music & Movies.

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SHL group trip to the International African American Museum

SHL group trip to the International African American Museum

Join your humanist friends on an outing to the International African American Museum in Charleston. Dedicated to honoring the untold stories of the African American journey at one of our country's most sacred sites, the museum documents the journey that began in Africa centuries ago, and still...

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Poor Things

Poor Things

We are going to the 3:35 PM showing at the Citadel Mall Stadium 16 Theater on Sunday, February 4, 2024.

After the movie those who wish will be going to Taste of India, located at 1280 Sam Rittenberg Blvd in West Ashley, for drinks, food and to discuss the film.

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SHL 30th Anniversary Party!

SHL 30th Anniversary Party!

2024 marks 30 years since the founding of the The Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry, and we are throwing a party to kick off a year honoring our 30 years of being Good Without God in the Lowcountry! Please join us at 4 pm at Gage Hall on Sunday, January 21st. Maggie Ardiente, president of the...

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The Boys in the Boat

The Boys in the Boat

We are going to the 4 PM showing at Terrace Theater on Sunday, January 7, 2024.

After the movie those who wish will be going to Pho Saigon, located just up the road from the theater at 1739 Maybank Highway on James Island, for drinks, food and to discuss the film.

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Q4 2023: Defense of Democracy

Q4 2023: Defense of Democracy

We raised $1,116 for our Q4 2023 Charity of the Quarter, Defense of Democracy. Defense of Democracy was established just one year ago to fight back against Christian Nationalists at the grassroots level. They advocate for parents, teachers, students, librarians and all Americans who are fighting...

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Yule have fun at the Humanist Solstice Celebration!

Yule have fun at the Humanist Solstice Celebration!

Let's gather to enjoy food, drink, good friends and the coming of longer days at the SHL 2023 Solstice Celebration, hosted at the home of Deb & Rob Britt. Members and nonmembers are welcome, and all are encouraged to bring drinks or a dish to share.We will also be holding a white elephant gift...

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Everything Everywhere All At Once

Everything Everywhere All At Once

For our December movie club we are watching the award winning film Everything Everywhere All At Once. Deb and Rob Britt are hosting movie night to watch the film. We are doing that on Saturday, December 2nd 6:30 pm. There is plenty of parking on the street (just don’t block the neighbors’...

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Separation of Church and State Month SHL Member Gathering

November is Separation of Church and State month! The Separation of Church & State Week falls in the week of Thanksgiving Day as a secular response to National Bible Week, from November 19 to 25 this year. The Americans United for the Separation of Church and State (AU) and the Institute for...

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Priscilla

Priscilla

We are going to the 3 PM showing at the Citadel Mall Stadium 16 Theater on Sunday, November 5, 2023.

After the movie those who wish will be going to Frothy Bear in West Ashley, for drinks, food and to discuss the film.

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Free Thought Month SHL Member Gathering

Free Thought Month SHL Member Gathering

October is Free Thought month! A month that encourages people to be free thinkers and base their opinions on facts, science, logic, and reason. Let's raise awareness about independent thinking. Every free and democratic citizen must be allowed to enjoy the freedom of political, educational and...

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A Haunting in Venice

A Haunting in Venice

We are going to the 1 PM showing at the Citadel Mall Stadium 16 Theater on Sunday, October 1, 2023.

After the movie those who wish will be going to Taste of Thai in West Ashley, for drinks, food and to discuss the film.

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SHL Discussion: Intellectual Freedom is Under Attack

SHL Discussion: Intellectual Freedom is Under Attack

Authoritarians and cult leaders limit knowledge to control the populace. It's happening now, right here in our own community, with attempted book and curriculum bans. How will Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry take action to advocate for intellectual freedom? Banned Books week is around the...

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Golda

Golda

We are going to the 3:45 PM showing at the Citadel Mall Stadium 16 Theater on Sunday, September 3, 2023.

After the movie those who wish will be going to Zen Asian Fusion in West Ashley, for drinks, food and to discuss the film.

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