South Carolina State University is set to commemorate the 57th anniversary of the Orangeburg Massacre on Saturday, Feb. 8, with a series of reflective events beginning at 11 a.m. in the Martin Luther King Auditorium on campus. This solemn observance will pay tribute to the lives lost and impacted during the tragic night of Feb. 8, 1968, when police opened fire on a group of unarmed Black students demonstrating for integration at a local bowling alley.
The Keynote Speaker
The university has invited Dr. Willis C. Ham, a prominent businessman, educator, and SC State alumnus, to serve as the keynote speaker for the event. Dr. Ham earned his Bachelor of Science degree from SC State in 1968. He later completed a master’s degree at the institution in 1973. He obtained a Ph.D. from Florida State University in 1975, specializing in design and management of postsecondary education. His career highlights include being inducted into the SC State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998 and serving as a guest lecturer and trainer for various military and educational organizations.
Remembering Massacre Victims
Following Dr. Ham’s address, attendees will gather for a brief remembrance ceremony at the Smith-Hammond-Middleton Legacy Plaza, which honors the three victims of the massacre—Henry Smith, Samuel Hammond, and Delano Middleton—whose lives were cut short that fateful night. Each year, SC State acknowledges their legacy and the resilience of those who survived this historic event that has come to symbolize the struggle for civil rights.
In recent commemorations, SC State has dedicated significant memorials to the victims. At the 2022 ceremony, the university unveiled a monument featuring bronze likenesses of Smith, Hammond, and Middleton, sculpted by internationally recognized artist Dr. Tolulope Filani. The Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center also serves as a lasting tribute to these individuals and their contributions.
The Orangeburg Massacre remains a pivotal moment in the history of civil rights in America, reflecting the struggles faced by Black students and activists advocating for equality. As the university prepares for this important commemoration, it reminds the broader community of the ongoing significance of these events and the continued fight for civil rights and social justice.
This article sources information from SC State University.