By james art 
The post and the courier, the largest newspaper in South Carolina, announced the honors of the fifth annual 12 black leaders who know in the project of South Carolina, presented by Huntington Bank.
Starting during the month of black history, the program celebrates people who make an exceptional contribution to their communities and shape the future of the state.
The honors will be presented in a special publication for printing nationwide on Sunday, February 16, in Post and Courier and 14 other evening publishing newspapers in the state. In addition, video interviews will be released on a monthly basis on the spotlights. The stories and videos will be published on Postandcourier.com/blackhistory, along with an archive of 48 other past awards by black leaders in the last four years.
The 12 black leaders who know in the honors of South Carolina for 2025 are:
• D -r Yunda Gibbs, Palm Palace
• Reverend Betty Dace Clark, Bethel Ame Church
• Alana Jenkins, Academy of Heritage on the Maritime Islands
• Leroy Jetr, Association of the Highland neighborhood
• KJ Kearney, Black Food Friday
• Craig King, Colombian College
• Maya Marant, Georgetown County
• Jauntavia Padgett, BVD solutions
• Dr. Al Al M. Panu, USC – Beaufort
• Keyatta Prister, Aiken Electric Cooperative
• Beth Rufin, the daily inclusive
• David White, the release pin
“These 12 leaders represent the best of South Carolina – people who work tirelessly to create positive changes in their communities,” said senior editor Adam Parker. “Their stories reflect both the progress we have achieved and the work that is still a forthcoming future for all Southern Carolini.”
The honorary will be celebrated at lunch for recognition on Friday, February 21, at the Francis Marion Hotel in Charleston. Dr. Henry Tisdale, a former president of Claflin University, will provide the main address.
To buy tickets, visit Postandcourier.com/12blackleaders.