Bronze sculptures honoring the victims of the Orangeburg Massacre—a tragic event in the Civil Rights Movement—were unveiled during the event. Dr. Tolulope Filani, a Nigerian-born art professor at SC State, was at the center of the event. Dr. Filani was properly honored for his outstanding contribution to the February celebration. Dr. Filani's artistic ability was evident in the skillful creation of clay sculptures that symbolized the three young men who were killed in the massacre. The sculptures reflected the tragedy of the event they stood for as well as the spirit of the victims. (Click here to hear my report)
Students from both Claflin University and South Carolina State University organized the protests against racial segregation at a nearby bowling alley. However when state highway patrolmen and other law enforcement officials interfered, what had begun as a peaceful protest swiftly turned tragic. Henry Smith, Delano Middleton, and Samuel Hammond Jr. were three young African American males who were killed after shots were fired into the protesting crowd as tensions rose.
The event served as a reminder to reflect on the past and draw lessons from it as society works to achieve equality and justice for all. Dr. Filani’s work can be seen in various places around the world and today, we were able to be it in bronze in the beautiful Smith-Hammond-Middleton Legacy plaza for many generations to come. (Click here to hear my previous interview at the Plaza)
