The recent WNBA Finals MVP was among the list of natives the state will recognize in its annual calendar for 2024. 

According to Index-Journal, the South Carolina Department of Education will unveil the calendar featuring A’ja Wilson and other exemplary state natives that changed the trajectory locally and nationally for the Black community in a ceremony on Nov. 27.

Not only will Jackie Whitmore, Detroit Lions defensive line coach John Scott Jr., Judge Clifton Newman, Leola Robinson Lonnie Randolph, Army veteran Arthur Gregg, Mac Arthur Goodwin, Modie & DeLaris Risher, Tommy Preston and Jr. Wilhelmina Johnson be highlighted but so will the historic lawsuit Brown v. School District No. 20, Charleston, as well. The biographies and life timelines of each person and event will also be included.

The State Superintendent of Education, Ellen Weaver, shared her excitement for the decadeslong tradition created by Southern Bell, now known as AT&T, in 1989.

“The 2024 South Carolina African American History Calendar is one filled with inspiring stories of the extraordinary impact esteemed sons and daughters of our beloved Palmetto State have made locally, nationally, and even globally,” she said, according to the media outlet. “With each page turned, my hope for readers is that they are encouraged and motivated to create positive change in their communities – just like our featured honorees have done in their lives.”

The two-time WNBA champion joined the Aces after they selected her during the 2018 WNBA draft, where she was the No. 1 draft pick. Since becoming a professional player, she’s now a four-time All-Star and two-time MVP. Her accomplishments thus far have made her a staple in the sport and one of the best players currently in the league. In addition to her hard work on the court, she has passions outside of basketball. The 27-year-old has a deep love for equality and justice for her people. The athlete is known to speak up on hot topics referring to racial discrimination and the unfair treatment of Black women, reported theGrio.

In addition, the cover star of this year’s calendar is Carolinian Mary McLeod Bethune, another powerful woman in American history. She is deemed “one of the most important Black educators, civil and women’s rights leaders and government officials of the twentieth century,” according to the National Women’s History Museum.

The calendars will be printed and given to schools in South Carolina to help educate students about Southern Black Americans who have made a major impact nationally and globally. Community members will be able to download the calendar online as well as submit a request for a printed copy online.