The College of Charleston Alumni Association is hosting a webinar on Thursday, June 17, 2021, at 7 p.m., entitled “If These Walls Could Talk Showcase and Next Steps.” The event will be held in advance of Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.
A panel of CofC faculty and alumni will share their insights and expertise on craftsmanship, artistry and labor of enslaved Africans who were tasked with building the 13th oldest college in the United States. The discussion builds off of the College-produced documentary If These Walls Could Talk, which examines the history of enslaved Africans who built structures on the College of Charleston campus.
The panel will share artifacts found near campus, initiatives underway to commemorate and honor the legacy of those enslaved Africans who contributed to the construction of the College, as well as programs and curriculum resources to inform and enlighten students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members about racial equity and social justice.
“After the film’s successful premiere in March, questions circulated among campus members asking what happens next?” says Charissa Owens, director of diversity training and education in the Office of Institutional Diversity, who will moderate the webinar. “The Alumni Association’s webcast ‘If These Walls Could Talk Showcase and Next Steps’ will discuss what those steps can be. Featuring our own esteemed Shannon Eaves, assistant professor of African American history; Anthony Greene, assistant professor and director of the African American Studies Program; and alumna Olivia Williams ’15 (M.A. ’21), a history interpreter at McLeod plantation and graduate assistant at the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture. We talk honestly about the socially responsible actions the College is taking now and what is on the horizon to continue honoring the work of enslaved laborers while strengthening supports for African American/Black students, faculty and staff.”
Viewers are encouraged to watch If These Walls Could Talk prior to attending the webinar for added context.
Registration is free, but a $10 donation to benefit the Center for the Study of Slavery in Charleston is suggested. REGISTER ONLINE BY TUESDAY, JUNE 15. You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours after a successful registration.
Details and registration information are online at: https://aa.cofc.edu/if-these-walls-could-talk-webinar-2021.
