Early phases of project begin for memorial dedicated to Black laborers at Clemson University

North Charleston, South Carolina—Clemson University has initiated a meaningful new project under the direction of Call My Name Project Faculty Director and Calhoun Lemon Professor of Literature Rhondda Thomas. Announced during an event held at Clemson University Restoration Institute (CURI) on March 21, the primary objective of the project is to conceive and design a memorial dedicated to the Black laborers at Clemson University.

While an exact location and timeline for the memorial has yet to be determined, this portion of the project has two distinct development phases.

The first phase, expected to be completed August 2024, will involve further research and engagement with the communities and Clemson history. The second phase moves into concept and design where insights from the research will be used to design the proposed memorial.

Clemson University has engaged award-winning architect Michael Murphy, most known for his work on the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, to support the project.