By: Bill Fitzpatrick, Past Board Chair at Preservation SC
June 30, 2024
Historic properties where Preservation SC has easements in place: Wilkins House in Greenville, Hester General Store in Dacusville, and Rose Hotel in York.
The Ask an Expert series features Q + A’s with people who are experts in a particular field or who have a depth of knowledge around historic preservation. We ask experts a variety of short answer questions and ask for their advice to Black preservation projects and leaders.
Would you be willing to be featured as an expert? Send us an email here.
Q: Introduce yourself! Tell us a little about you.
In 2010, when my business partner and I sold our company, we had to sign four-year non-compete agreements. Knowing that he and I would return at some future date to start a new business, I decided with this time in hand to travel to and then photograph South Carolina’s collection of National Register landmarks. There are over 1,500 such places. Why? I love history, travel, writing, and photography. If you travel the backroads of South Carolina you will collect experiences. The one I am about to share is why I am on the board of Preservation South Carolina. One July day I drove from my Greenville home to the town of Pacolet to meet with Moose Littlejohn, the only caretaker of the long closed Mulberry Methodist Church. Built at the end of the Reconstruction Era, the church is dilapidated and near collapse. When it goes, it will take 150 years of Black history with it. The prospect of losing Mulberry Methodist bothered me that day and it bothers me today.
Q: What is a historic preservation revolving fund? How do they work/what is the process? What are a couple of revolving fund projects you’ve worked on?
At Preservation South Carolina (PSC) we often speak with individuals wishing to preserve an historic structure. Before going into a discussion about Revolving Funds we spend a few minutes discussing three important preliminary milestones. It is important that the structure is “historic” as judged by an objective agency. For example, is the structure listed in the National Register of Historic Places? Is it part of an Historic District? If the answer is “no,” an excellent first step will be to document and establish its historic significance. Once the structure is restored, what is the vision/purpose for the building? Can the historic home be a bed and breakfast? Can the historic general store find new life as a bakery and coffee shop? On a proactive basis or through a call from the community, our organization will identify an historic structure that is worthy based on the answers to the above two points. In such cases, we will find the owner of the property and talk about mutual interests. Perhaps the owner wishes to rid herself of an abandoned property that represents a liability. Perhaps the owner now lives in another state and cannot manage this property he inherited. Perhaps the owner is historically preservation minded and wishes the property to be restored and repurposed. In such cases we can help. In summary, the Revolving Fund process is dependent on a motivated owner who wishes to see their historic property preserved for future generations. Now let us take a closer look at exactly how a Revolving Fund works. In the simplest of terms, revolving fund projects allow a preservation organization like PSC to buy a historic property, rehabilitate or restore it, and then sell the property with historic protections in place to an appropriate buyer. As needed, our Revolving Fund Committee will meet and review potential property acquisitions or options. Like any prudent business, we have to be good stewards of the funds we have in our Revolving Fund program. Will the owner donate the property to PSC? Is the owner willing to sell the property at a reduced cost to PSC? Might the owner consider the possibility of allowing us time, via an Option Agreement, to market the property for a period of time to determine the community interest in the structure? We then make a decision whether to acquire the property, or not. Once acquired, we often invest some amount of funds in stabilization. These funds come either from our Revolving Fund or from grants that we apply for and receive. When we have stabilized the property and made other baseline improvements, we then try to find a buyer willing to not just purchase the improved building, but to agree to a preservation Easement. An Easement is a legally binding agreement that requires ALL future owners of the property to maintain the structure in its essential historic condition. Once the property is sold, a high percentage of the funds are then “reinvested” in our Revolving Fund. Find out more about Revolving Funds through this pdf booklet from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Q: How does your work with revolving funds at Preservation SC intersect with preserving Black historic spaces?
Since its 1990 inception, Preservation South Carolina has preserved a diverse collection of Black historic spaces, including homes, churches, and slave cabins. In many cases, our Revolving Fund program enabled us to acquire, improve, and then return the historic property to the community. But there are other reasons why, from Daufuskie to Anderson, Black communities have chosen our organization for the work. We are one of South Carolina’s only statewide non-profit preservation organizations. As such, we often work in areas not serviced by local groups, cities such as Union, Edgefield, and Cordesville. Our board of directors are recognized leaders in their respective and diverse fields. In addition to the nationally recognized preservationists who serve on our board, also in the mix are college professors, business leaders, media specialists, and land conservationists. Our Advisory Council provides yet more focused resources, as needed. Our institutional knowledge and corporate reputation bring credibility to even the most challenging project. Consider, for example, that within a year we received over $500K from outside granting organizations to stabilize Taveau, a now 50-year closed, dilapidated, pre-Civil War, Black Methodist church that is located in rural Berkeley County. As a 501(c)(3), we have the immediate ability to apply for and receive grants. Our mission is not to own historic properties. We wish them to be properly restored, with purpose, returned to the community, and to be protected in perpetuity. Our Revolving Fund is an important part of our portfolio. So are our intangible assets of knowledge, reputation, and shared mission.
Q: What do African American preservation projects and leaders need to know about revolving fund projects? How can revolving funds be used for Black preservation projects?
It is critical to consider the economics of the property, prior to signing the dotted line. To consider the economics, a full understanding of what you wish to accomplish is needed from start to finish. For example, in my Introduction, I mentioned how deeply affected I was by my visit to Mulberry Methodist Church in rural Cherokee County. I still think of Moose Littlejohn, still think about the history that will be lost when the church does collapse. But even during my time as board chair of Preservation South Carolina, and even with our Revolving Fund, I knew there was little that could be done to preserve Mulberry. Instead, our organization turned full attention to Taveau, another shuttered Black Methodist Church in Berkeley County. Both are listed in the National Register. Why preserve one and not the other? Mulberry Methodist is a fifteen minute drive from Pacolet, which is in turn another twenty minute drive to Spartanburg. Moose is the only voice for Mulberry’s preservation. Once preserved, then what? Who is going to cut the grass, repair a board, and secure access, once Moose is no longer around? Who is going to even use the building that might take $1M to restore? Taveau is located near the Cooper River between Mepkin Abbey–the burial home to Henry Laurens, a Founding Father and slave trader–and Strawberry Chapel, a 1725 church built by Elias “Red Cap” Ball, whose much later ancestor, Edward Ball, would write a best-selling book about his family and this area called, “Slaves in the Family.” Taveau is the only landmark associated with Black history in Berkeley County and many, many people wish this project to succeed. Not every worthy building can or should be preserved. Unfortunately, we often need to focus on those historic buildings that offer a community, and a purpose.
Q: What first steps would you recommend for people who are not professionals or experts in preservation to take if they are interested in using a revolving fund for their project?
As I noted in my own brief introduction, I had no background in historic preservation when asked to join the Preservation South Carolina board in 2019. Sure, I had a passion for building and history, but beyond that, no specific industry knowledge. Like those of you who might be considering a revolving fund project, I understand the challenges of “that first step.” Given the risks involved with an historic preservation undertaking, the best first step is to find your “preservation partners” before acquiring the property. Preservation partners might include a preservation organization such as PSC, or maybe a skilled consultant. A CPA and/or an historic tax consultant might be part of your team, as might companies that specialize in historic building restorations. Other partners could include bankers, real estate agents, historical societies and grant writers. *Toolkit Tip! Use our Experts Database Tool to find these experts!
Q: What is something many people may not realize about revolving funds (or your area of work)? (a helpful tip, rule, process, or insider knowledge that people new to this type of work might not realize?)
We have discussed the basics of revolving funds and preservation easements. Not covered to date are two equally important topics, rehabilitation agreements and tax considerations. To best understand rehabilitation agreements it might be helpful to remember that most historic preservation organizations, such as PSC, are not general contractors. We are neither staffed nor funded to accept or purchase a dilapidated structure, and then in a year or two, place a perfectly restored historic building back on the market. In general, we will invest funds in stabilizing at-risk historic structures, bring them to a marketable condition, and then expect the buyer to complete the work in accordance with historic preservation standards. The legally binding document that binds both parties is called a rehabilitation agreement. During the rehabilitation agreement period, we inspect the work to ensure that it is being completed as described. Depending on the property, its purpose, and the interest of the buyer or seller, there are tax benefits that may apply to some portion of the historic preservation transaction. For example: The donation of a property may qualify as a tax deduction. The donation of a preservation easement may qualify as a tax deduction. For larger scale properties that may be repurposed for commercial use, there may be tax credits for abandoned properties. If any of the above apply, contact a CPA who is familiar with historic preservation tax deductions and credits. Also – If your goal is to make money (and every organization needs to make money), then you will seek out historic properties that are in reasonable shape, can be easily improved (new tin room, etc.), and then quickly sold for profit. But if your purpose is to perform public good on a building that might otherwise be lost, then you will seek out historic properties in need of much more work. This will take much time and money. During my team as board chair of Preservation South Carolina, we worked on both the “profit expected” opportunities, and the longer term work. In our case the first helped fund the second. Nothing is more meaningful to those of us in the preservation world than to bring life and vitality back to an historic building, such as the work we are doing with Taveau and the Pottersville House.
Q: If you had to give just one piece of advice to folks who are looking into revolving funds to help fund their preservation project, what would it be?
Purpose! Before you begin a preservation project, consider this: What purpose will the restored landmark serve when restored? If you cannot answer that question you should probably not start the project.
Q: Do you have any other tips, thoughts, or insights for us?
By: Nate Johnson, Park Manager at Landsford Canal State Park, former Manager of Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site
June 24, 2024
The Featured Projects series focuses on historic preservation projects focused on preserving Black history throughout SC. Each project is asked to respond to four prompts. We hope this series helps bring awareness to the stunning number and variety of preservation projects being undertaken across the state, highlights the dedication of our community leaders, and inspires future generations of projects.
Want to feature your preservation project? Send us an email here.
Provide a brief summary of your project, making sure to include why it’s important for African American historic preservation.
For the last decade, the South Carolina State Park Service has located, researched, preserved, interpreted, and brought public attention to the historic ruins of tenant houses at Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site in Union County, SC. The organization has done this work in collaboration with African American descendants, community members, and students. These tenant houses were structures in which African American farmers lived from the post-emancipation years through the Great Depression. Their stories are central to the plantation’s history. Even though the houses are in ruins today, they remain evocative and powerful sites with direct connections to the people who lived in them. Still visible are the brick foundations from the fireplaces and chimneys, the stone piers that supported the houses, and surrounding yard features, like garden beds and sunken roads. African American families who lived in these homes, including the Glenns and the Jeters, have conducted multiple oral history interviews since 2018 to document their memories of the place. In 2021, park service staff built a trail to one of the tenant houses, developed an interpretive marker, and installed a rope around the ruins to protect them. In 2023, students from South Carolina schools (including Benedict College and SC State University, both HBCUs) did a week-long archaeology project at the tenant houses, continuing and deepening archaeological studies initiated at the site in 2015. All these collaborative efforts have increased access to and awareness of the tenant houses, making sure that they are recognized as crucial elements of the plantation landscape.
What motivated you/your community/your team to begin this project?
The motivation is justice. The people who lived inside these tenant houses experienced vast, terrible injustices in their lifetimes and on this plantation. When Rose Hill became a historic site, further injustice was done. Structures where the Black majority lived and worked – like the tenant houses – were not preserved. Slavery, sharecropping, and racial oppression were glossed over in interpreting the plantation’s history. Instead, preservation and interpretation efforts focused almost entirely on the white Gist family and the Gist Mansion, whitewashing the public’s understanding of the plantation. To put energy into preserving, documenting, and interpreting the tenant houses today, then, is corrective action. The tenant house sites deserve more attention. And it can be seen as a certain act of justice when we turn our attention to them.
What challenges have you faced in this project?
One challenge is getting everybody to see that ruins are, indeed, important. True, the tenant houses are not fully intact, but their ruins can still reveal a lot of information about this plantation’s history and the people who lived here. The ruins can still pack a lot of emotional power. Even though these houses once were ignored and neglected (not by residents, but by the people turning this plantation into a historic site), we can visit these ruins today with reverence, wonder, and respect. Consistent and effective communication from everybody who cares for these ruins – rangers, descendants, historians, community partners, archaeologists, volunteers, and students – will spread awareness and appreciation of their historical value.
How have you solved problems and found solutions? What advice would you give to others doing this kind of work?
It has been hard to find exact information on each tenant house, like its appearance or which family lived in it, when documenting them or when interpreting their significance for the public. I would recommend focusing on what you do know. What artifacts were recovered during archaeological investigations? What general memories did an elder have about growing up in this area? I would recommend not to give up hope on finding the exact information you are looking for. However, while you are searching, stay open and glean any other information you can along the way. Don’t ignore any evidence, story, or data that can help you document (in this case) a structure or craft a compelling interpretation of its significance.
Dr. Larry Watson: A Pioneer in South Carolina Black History Research and Preservation
Dr. Larry Watson stands as a pivotal figure in the exploration and preservation of Black history in South Carolina. As a professor at both South Carolina State University and the University of South Carolina, he has dedicated his career to researching, teaching, and preserving the rich and often overlooked histories of African American communities.
From his early days at Millsaps College to earning his doctorate under South Carolina’s most prominent historian, Dr. Walter Edgar, Dr. Watson has consistently broken new ground in the field of history.
His work in historic preservation began as a graduate student and has since evolved into a lifelong mission to protect and promote the cultural heritage of African Americans in the South.
In addition to his academic contributions, Dr. Watson has been an active participant in historic preservation efforts across South Carolina. His work has ranged from researching and preserving physical artifacts to advocating for the restoration of historically significant sites.
Through his efforts, he has not only helped safeguard important cultural assets but also ensured that future generations can learn from and appreciate the rich tapestry of African American history.
Below he shares more about himself as well as the imperatives and challenges of preserving African American history in South Carolina.
1. Can you describe your upbringing and educational journey?
I grew up in Hazlehurst, a rural cotton-farming community in Mississippi, about 120 miles north of New Orleans. My grade school education went up to the fifth grade, and from there, I attended Paris High School as part of the equalization movement. After high school, I received numerous scholarship offers. I chose to attend Millsaps College, a small private school with a strong academic program, and later earned my master’s in social studies education from South Carolina State College and my doctorate in history from USC.
2. Could you share a bit about your personal life?
I recently turned 73. I married my high school sweetheart, Ingrid, during my senior year of college. We have two children, both of whom have Ph.D.s – our daughter in physics from William & Mary and our son in nuclear chemistry from USC. Ingrid holds three degrees in education and research from USC. We also have three grandchildren: an 8-year-old and a set of twins who are five. We’ve been married for 50 years, and family has always been a central part of our lives.
3. What courses are you currently teaching?
I teach an Introduction to African American Studies course and upper-level African American history courses at both SC State and USC. These courses cover history up to 1865 and from 1865 to the present, as well as South Carolina history and government. Occasionally, I also teach introductory courses on the Civil Rights Movement and other topics related to African American history.
4. Why is historic preservation important to you?
Historic preservation is crucial because it helps us understand how we arrived at our current state by preserving artifacts, remnants, and records of our culture. These physical evidences give context and credibility to historical narratives. Without preservation, important aspects of our history could be dismissed or forgotten. It’s essential for citizenship development and helps keep the story of our past alive for future generations.
5. How did you first get involved in historic preservation?
My involvement in historic preservation began during my graduate studies in Walter Edgar’s public history program. As I conducted research and traveled, I noticed many historical artifacts were neglected and sites were deteriorating. This sparked my interest in preserving these important elements of our cultural history. I believe in the value of primary sources and understand that preserving physical items like roads, buildings, and documents is essential for accurately interpreting our past.
6. What are you focusing on in your historic preservation efforts now?
I’ve been working on the history of the first Black soldiers recruited into the Union army, particularly focusing on Reconstruction, which actually began in Beaufort, South Carolina, in 1861. We have been educating teachers about this history through visits to significant sites like Tabernacle Baptist Church and Penn Center. These efforts aim to develop comprehensive lesson plans that can be used to teach this important history.
7. How has the field of historic preservation changed over the years?
Historic preservation has become more inclusive and comprehensive. Initially, it focused mainly on white South Carolinian achievements, but now there is a significant effort to include African American history. Churches, cemeteries, and residences of prominent Black figures are being preserved. This shift helps create a more complete and accurate narrative of South Carolina’s history, benefiting both cultural understanding and tourism.
8. What challenges do Black communities face in preservation work?
The primary challenges are resources and knowledge. Many Black communities lack the financial resources needed for preservation and are often unaware of where to find help. Organizations like WeGOJA Foundation are crucial for providing direction and support.
Additionally, historic preservation requires time and effort, which many families struggling with day-to-day survival may not have. Furthermore, there is a gap in historical knowledge among the younger generation. For instance, I’ve had students who grew up in Orangeburg who are unaware of the Orangeburg Massacre of 1968.
This lack of awareness underscores the need for increased education and engagement in historic preservation. Additionally, I’ve observed that many equalization and Rosenwald schools, which once played vital roles in their communities, are now crumbling. That said, some efforts to preserve some of these buildings have been successful, giving them such vital new uses as community centers and daycare facilities, highlighting their historical significance and preserving their relevance.
9. What keeps you motivated in your preservation work?
The work is far from complete, and the challenges in the current political climate make it essential to stay vigilant. Efforts to control and limit historical education in state legislatures mean that the fight for accurate and comprehensive historical preservation must continue. Ensuring that these histories are not forgotten or misrepresented keeps me motivated.
10. Can you explain your involvement with WeGOJA and why you support it?
I am an original board member of WeGOJA, which evolved from the South Carolina African American Commission Foundation. We rebranded to better reflect our mission, incorporating African and African American cultural significance into our work. WeGOJA plays a vital role in directing preservation efforts and providing resources to ensure that African American histories are preserved and celebrated statewide.
By: Brad Sauls, South Carolina Department of Archives and History (SCDAH)
June 14, 2024
The Ask an Expert series features Q + A’s with people who are experts in a particular field or who have a depth of knowledge around historic preservation. We ask experts a variety of short answer questions and ask for their advice.
Q: Introduce yourself! Tell us a little about you. How did you get started in your field?
My name is Brad Sauls and I am the Supervisor for the National Register program at the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). I have worked with the National Register and other SHPO programs since 1997. I have a Masters degree in Public History from the University of South Carolina.
Q: Tell us a little about your responsibilities at the State Historic Preservation Office…
I work within the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), which serves as staff for the State Board of Review for the National Register of Historic Places. I supervise the National Register program, manage our federal historic preservation grant program, and provide assistance to local government preservation programs.
Q: Tell us a little bit about the State Review Board, its role as the first step in approving applications for the National Register of Historic Places.
The State Review Board is made up of professionals across many disciplines associated with history and preservation. The current Board Chair is Dr. J. Edward Lee, professor of history at Winthrop University. The Vice Chair is Mr. Philip Smith, professor of Classical Architecture at the American College of the Building Arts in Charleston. Other Board members represent the fields of archaeology, museums, and local government preservation programs. All new National Register nominations are submitted to the SHPO for initial review. The SHPO works with preparers to get their nominations ready to be presented to the State Review Board. Nominations are presented in a public meeting and must be approved by the Board as having met the criteria and requirements for National Register listing. Once approved by the Board, nominations are forwarded to the National Park Service for final review and approval.
Q: Can you provide tips on how to prepare applications for this process? How long does it take? How should property owners prepare for a presentation before the Board?
Anyone can submit a nomination but, in practice, the vast majority of nominations are prepared by professional consultants. The SHPO provides technical guidance and sample nominations to assist preparers. Nominations include lengthy narrative sections that describe the property and discuss its historic context and significance. Preparers summarize the case for listing in a 5 to 8-minute presentation to the Board. Presentations usually include a selection of photos of the property. From initial research and writing to final listing in the National Register, most nominations take up to a year to get through the process.
Q: Do you offer workshops on preparing applications for the National Register?
The SHPO has offered workshops in the past and most likely will again in the future. Between workshops, the SHPO staff is happy to provide advice and guidance for preparers, both novice and experienced. Our staff shares the latest tips from the National Park Service and helps preparers identify past nominations for comparable properties to use as a guide whenever possible. The process is lengthy and complex but we strive to help make it go as smoothly as possible.
Q: Can you give us an example of an exemplary and successful application, or an extraordinary presentation before the Board?
The 2023 nomination for the Phillips Community in Charleston County was special because it was the first “Traditional Cultural Property” listing in South Carolina. The “TCP” approach had been used many times in western states for landscapes and other sites associated with Native American history. This was the first time the “TCP” model was used to recognize an African American settlement community from the Reconstruction period in South Carolina. The listing occurred after many years of advocacy efforts by leaders of the Phillips Community, many of whom were descendants of the earliest Phillips residents, to document and preserve their history.
Q: Other tips or thoughts you’d like to share with the South Carolina African American community?
The professionalization of the National Register listing process means that it is almost essential to have a professional (or experienced amateur) prepare a nomination. Owners or stewards of historic properties that seek listing not only for the recognition but also for the (limited) potential assistance of grants or tax incentives would do well to seek help from an experienced preparer to achieve listing in a timely fashion. Otherwise, an inexperienced preparer faces long delays with an already slow process if substantial revisions and corrections are needed. Whomever prepares a nomination, we at the SHPO will be excited to see more nominations for properties associated with African American history. There are many stories still waiting to be told.
By: Al Hester, Historic Sites Coordinator, South Carolina State Park Service
May 14, 2024
The Featured Projects series showcases historic preservation projects focused on preserving Black history throughout SC. Each project is asked to respond to four prompts. We hope this series helps bring awareness to the stunning number and variety of preservation projects being undertaken across the state, highlights the dedication of our community leaders, and inspires future generations of projects.
Want to feature your preservation project? Fill out this form and we’ll be in touch.
Provide a brief summary of your project, making sure to include why it’s important for African American historic preservation.
This project involved documentation of a significant cultural landscape associated with Black history at Hampton Plantation State Historic Site. The project produced a “cultural landscape report”, which is a management document that compiles all known information about a property’s cultural landscape, including drawings, maps, photographs, a historical narrative, and preservation recommendations. Hampton Plantation was an 18th century rice plantation in northern Charleston County located on the South Santee River. Its buildings, rice fields, and landscapes were all created by enslaved people of African descent and their descendants. It is essential that these landscapes be preserved so that the public can learn about the contributions and struggles of enslaved people and the long-lasting communities that they established. More than anything else, plantations are Black history sites that can help tell the stories of Black people, both enslaved and free, not only through architecture but also through landscape features such as former agricultural areas, cemeteries, gardens, and forests. The National Park Service defines a cultural landscape as “a geographic area, including both cultural and natural resources and the wildlife or domestic animals therein, associated with a historic event, activity, or person, or exhibiting other cultural or aesthetic values.” (https://www.nps.gov/subjects/culturallandscapes/understand-cl.htm)
What motivated you/your community/your team to begin this project?
As a state-operated public historic site, Hampton Plantation has the mission to preserve the cultural resources under its care, including its cultural landscape. But more importantly, Hampton Plantation’s landscape is an ideal setting for the public to access and explore Black history through landscape. The team and community members of an adjacent descendant community also wanted to document the landscape history better so that the site could be managed more responsibly. We also believed that a well-preserved landscape could help bring the past to life and inspire visitors. For example, walking through the former settlement of enslaved people at Hampton, even though the buildings had disappeared long ago, can provide a moving and more authentic experience of the past. The project produced a cultural landscape report that compiled all the information we found through photographs, maps, and a written description. The site managers have been able to use this information to re-create selected views and vistas, replant missing significant trees, and manage the forests in ways more consistent with their historical uses. We were also able to rebuild a damaged rice field dam and install a recreated rice trunk (water control device) based on historic documentation. Finally, we were also able to use the report to update the site’s National Register of Historic Places listing to include more information about landscape, archaeology, and Black history.
What challenges have you faced in this project?
Cultural landscape preservation is always difficult. Landscapes are composed of human-built features as well as natural resources such as trees and forests. By nature, they are dynamic places that are always evolving. It was also difficult to find sources of information that could serve as evidence of the past appearance and function of the landscape. Since landscapes change with time, natural processes, and human use, locations at Hampton looked very different in the 18th century than they did 100 years later. Documenting that change over time was a critical part of the project. Landscape documentation also is challenging because it requires many different skill sets. Our team had to include a biologist, forester, archaeologist, historian, landscape architect, as well as current and past local residents. Each person brought a different view point to the project and made it a collaborative and multidisciplinary effort.
How have you solved problems and found solutions? What advice would you give to others doing this kind of work?
Finding good evidence of past landscapes is difficult but very important, and we were able to find new information through oral history and discussions with people who had lived and worked on or near Hampton. We were grateful that they were willing to share their traditional knowledge about the place and its landscape. Because historical documents are often silent about landscapes, people’s memories can help fill in the gaps. Photographs are also useful, and over time we were able to find dozens of these in various archival repositories and libraries such as the South Caroliniana Library at the University of South Carolina, the Charleston Museum, the Gibbes Art Museum, the South Carolina Historical Society, and the Indiana Historical Society. Local, private collections of photographs were also very helpful. Photos hold important visual clues of things like roads, tree lines, plant species, fences, etc. This kind of evidence helps to document what has been lost. Archaeology is critical as well, since many of the features that no longer exist above ground have left evidence in the soil. At Hampton, archaeologists excavated evidence of former buildings and work areas and helped us understand how specific places were used and altered over time.
The Learning Lab series provides practical tips, advice, and guidance on specific historic preservation topics that are relevant to African American preservation projects. We hope these posts help community members and leaders better navigate the complexities of historic preservation work successfully.
Short Description of topic
The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund works to advance the broader preservation movement towards a more diverse and equitable representation of American history. Grants showcase the beauty and complexity of Black history and culture in America, while underscoring the urgent need to protect, preserve and interpret these invaluable American assets.
How to Apply for Grants With the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund
The best way to be prepared for these grants is to be mindful of grant cycles and application deadlines because they vary. Do not submit applications outside of grant cycles without first discussing with the AACHAF.
You should also have a clear definition of your project and how it aligns with the mission of AACHAF. Get clear on your project mission and your achievable outcomes.
Develop clear and reasonable estimates for all costs. Do your research to budget appropriately for all costs and don’t undervalue the work that is required.
Stay informed of grant openings by adding your email address to the National Trust for Historic Preservation e-newsletter, here.
The Action Fund awards grants across four project categories: Capital Projects, Organizational Capacity Building, Project Planning, and Programming and Interpretation. Know what category you qualify for.
Find a Grant Program that matches your project:
AACHAF Grant Programs:
Action Fund National Grant Program — This funding advances ongoing preservation activities for historic places such as sites, museums, and landscapes that represent African American cultural heritage. Funding supports work in four primary areas: Capital Projects, Organizational Capacity Building, Project Planning, and Programming and Interpretation. The minimum grant amount is $50,000.00. Guidelines and Application
Conserving Black Modernism — In partnership with the Getty Foundation, the Conserving Black Modernism grant program is designed to empower and equip preservationists and stewards with funding and technical support to preserve the material heritage, innovation, and legacy of modern architectural sites designed by Black architects. This is a $3.1 million grant program. Guidelines and Application
HBCU Cultural Heritage Stewardship Initiative — This program provides technical assistance and funds new Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plans at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The partnership with National Endowment for the Humanities seeks to empower HBCUs with the resources to protect, preserve, and leverage their historic campuses, buildings, and landscapes, and ensures these symbols inspire and educate future generations. Guidelines and Application
Preserving Black Churches — The Action Fund, with support from the Lilly Endowment Inc, is investing in historic Black churches and congregations to reimagine, redesign, and deploy historic preservation to address the institutions’ needs and the cultural assets and stories they steward. We are leveraging historic preservation as a tool for equity and reconciliation and celebrating historic Black churches as centers of heritage, community, and cultural life. Guidelines and Application ]
Photo caption: [ In January 2024, historic Taveau Church in Cordesville received a grant from the Preserving Black Churches program to restore this 19th century wood-frame structure. Plans call for the church to open for worship services again, and for historic interpretation and community events.]
Photo caption: [ caption for photo — In 2023, funding from the AACHAF supported an expansion of the Inalienable Rights program under the Slave Dwelling Project, led by noted living historian Joseph McGill, Jr. The program includes food education / cooking demonstrations, brick making in the style of enslaved craftsmen and blacksmith demonstrations from expert blacksmiths.
By: WeGOJA Foundation (with information from NPS State, Tribal, Local, Plans & Grants Division)
May 7, 2024
The Ask an Expert series features Q + A’s with people who are experts in a particular field or who have a depth of knowledge around historic preservation. We ask experts a variety of short answer questions and ask for their advice to Black preservation projects and leaders.
What is the purpose of the National Park Service’s African American Civil Rights grants?
The National Park Service (NPS)’s Historic Preservation Fund provides grants to local communities to help document, interpret, and preserve sites and stories related to civil rights. Many of these grants are competitive which means that an organization will submit an application that is reviewed and scored to determine if it will receive funding. Information about various grant programs will be found on NPS websites but the actual announcement of applications and submission of applications will take place through Grants.gov. Preparing and submitting an application takes time, so make sure to start investigating how to apply early. African American Civil Rights (AACR) grants fund a broad range of planning, development, and research projects for historic sites including: survey, inventory, documentation, interpretation, education, architectural services, historic structure reports, preservation plans, and “bricks and mortar” repair. Grant projects are split into two categories: preservation projects and history projects. Preservation project grants are for the repair of historic properties. History project grants are for more interpretive work such as exhibit design or historical research. This competitive grant program provides grants to states, tribes, local governments (including Certified Local Governments), and nonprofits. Non-federal matching is not required.
How should property owners and community leaders prepare for applying for African American historic preservation grants in the STLPG division?
Any case studies or great examples from South Carolina?
This grant program provides assistance to many South Carolina organizations. In its latest round of awards, the following organizations were funded: Clemson University – $55,625 Clemson University African American History Video Project – Clemson University of South Carolina – $4,250,000 Preservation of the Florence C. Benson Elementary School, an equalization school and a resource associated with segregation in Columbia, SC – Columbia South Carolina Rural Education Grassroots Group – $750,000 Stabilization and Preservation of the former Edgewood School, an Equalization School, Now serving as Edgewood Community Center –Ninety-Six Center for Creative Partnerships – $750,000 Preservation of All Star Bowling Lanes – Orangeburg
The Ask an Expert series features Q + A’s with people who are experts in a particular field or who have a depth of knowledge around historic preservation. We ask experts a variety of short answer questions and ask for their advice to Black preservation projects and leaders.
Would you be willing to be featured as an expert? Send us an email here.
Q: Can you share a bit about your background and how you became involved in African American history and heritage consulting?
I graduated from the University of South Carolina with a dual Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and History and a Master’s degree in Public History with a concentration in Historic Preservation. I have worked at the SC State Museum as an educator and work as a Weekend Tour Guide at Historic Columbia. I really got involved with African American history with my undergraduate thesis where I used my journey with my own genealogical research to discuss the benefits of using online genealogical sites and how to branch out to find your ancestors. That continued through grad school where my master’s thesis was on African Americans as an enslaved population under the Cherokee Nation and how Native people as enslavers compared to white enslavers. That background of looking for information that is not readily available gave me the creative thinking skills that are needed for a job like African American History Consultant.
Q: What are some of the unique challenges faced in preserving African American historical sites, and how do you approach these challenges?
A lot of the challenges that I have noticed are interconnected. Sometimes a group will have a structure that is important to African American history but the building could be falling apart. Why is it falling apart? Because no one has been able to keep up with maintaining the property. Why is no one maintaining the property? This question has two answers: 1) the place’s history may have been forgotten so no one knows the importance of the building and/or 2) the individual/group associated with the structure do not have the funds to maintain the structure. When groups call me at SCDAH, I always ask them to tell me about the structure, the history behind it, who interacted with it and then I ask them what their goal is with the site. Most of the time they just want to know what is out there for them: more history, grants to stabilize the building, or even other groups that are experiencing the same thing. Each project, each group, each structure is going to be different, it’s important to listen, assess, and then provide the resources most beneficial to them. For example, at SCDAH, I can direct them to the Historical Marker program, the National Register of Historic Places, grant opportunities for funding, tax incentives, and research guidance for the Reference Room, including genealogical resources.
Q: In your experience, how important is community engagement in the preservation of African American cultural heritage, and what methods have proven most effective in fostering this engagement?
Community engagement is where preservation starts. It’s similar to a ripple effect, all it takes is one passionate person or group of people to make the drop and their impact will grow. People get passionate when they see other people’s passion whether it be creating social media where they post updates or applying to conferences and speaking at events about their mission, engagement starts with the grassroots and it may take time but that small ripple can become a giant wave.
Q: Could you highlight a successful project you have been involved in that effectively preserved and promoted African American history? What made it successful?
In my role, I am also the liaison for the SC African American Heritage Commission. At the beginning of 2024, they announced a funding program where they would cover the cost of up to 20 state historical markers that pertained to African American heritage and culture. The program ran for about 4 months and as a result the Commission maxed out the program funding and were able to fund 20 markers. The purpose of the program was to give smaller groups, who were historically deterred because of the cost of a state marker, a chance to preserve history in their area. South Carolina in the coming months will now have 20 new markers covering African American history that, if not for this program, may not have had an opportunity to be presented. The Commission marketed this opportunity in their monthly newsletter and sent flyers to various organizations across the state but ultimately, this program was successful because of local communities and their passion for future generations to know and learn about the past. For history about a school, a church, a cemetery, or a tenement settlement, to not be lost and to be forever remembered.
Q: How do you think technology and digital tools are impacting the field of African American heritage preservation?
In an age where technology is making the world go round, it has made a major impact on African American heritage preservation. Many groups have a social media page or a website where they update the progress of their efforts. There are Google maps that can point out specific historic sites like the SCDAH Historical Marker map. There are digital collections at museums like IAAM that are accessible from a person’s personal computer. Technology is allowing people to connect to African American heritage in a way that for decades has been difficult to do and this is because along with advancements in technology, there has been an increase in wanting to know about Black history. People are curious about who came before them and how their actions impact the future and technology is allowing people to take that first step in learning that information.
Over the past few decades, Michael “Mike” Allen and his work have become synonymous with African American historic preservation in South Carolina and beyond.
His journey with historic preservation began not in a classroom but in his hometown of Kingstree. Witnessing the value placed on restoring and maintaining historic structures within his African American community instilled in him a deep appreciation for the tangible connection to the past.
This personal foundation, coupled with the work he did at Fort Sumter beginning in 1980, paved the way for a transformative career dedicated to amplifying African American narratives within the broader historical landscape.
Allen’s 37-year tenure with the National Park Service (NPS) was marked by tireless efforts to bridge the gap between the public and the often-overlooked narratives of African American history.
“Most entities in that organization didn’t really take much of a view to African American structures,” he says. Allen made it his mission to change that, working to bring awareness and support to neglected African American historic places.
Along the way, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor in 2006, the first corridor of its kind dedicated to highlighting the unique history and cultural contributions of the Gullah Geechee people of the Coastal Carolinas and Georgia.
His unwavering dedication culminated in the landmark achievement of establishing the Reconstruction Era National Monument (now the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park) in Beaufort County in 2017, ensuring the stories of this pivotal period in American history are not relegated to the margins.
Raising Awareness and Empowering Communities
“My work has always been about raising awareness,” Allen stresses. “Seeing the lack of recognition given to African American historical sites fueled my passion to not only celebrate these spaces but empower communities to actively participate in their preservation.”
From understanding the cyclical maintenance needs of brick masonry at Fort Sumter to recognizing the crucial structural integrity of the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, Allen’s experiences with the NPS solidified to him the importance of preserving these spaces not just for their physical presence but for the stories they hold.
Allen credits Dr. Peter Wood’s book “Black Majority” as a pivotal moment in his own awakening to the significance of African American history and culture. “This book opened my eyes to a pattern of history I hadn’t grasped before,” he shares. “It was a turning point, and the National Park Service became a platform for me to share this newfound understanding and advocate for the stories that were waiting to be told.”
Today, at age 65, Allen can look back with pride at the many tangible signs of progress he helped create, from historical markers to museum exhibits that help tell the full story of African American history in South Carolina.
“The sign at Sullivan’s Island and Toni Morrison’s first Bench by the Road that recognizes the arrival of enslaved Africans, the Fort Moultrie visitor center and the African Passages exhibit, the Gullah Geechee trail, the Reconstruction site in Beaufort … none of these were there when I started. I’m grateful to have played a part in making all those happen,” he says.
Sharing Gullah Culture Through Tastee Treats
Following his retirement from the NPS in 2017, Allen continues to champion the preservation of Gullah Geechee culture through his online store, Tastee Treats.
Alongside his wife, Latanya, they offer traditional Gullah desserts and treats like benne seed cookies, sweet grass baskets, and handmade pottery – providing a delicious and authentic window into the rich culinary and artistic heritage of the Gullah Geechee people.
“Tastee Treats is a way for us to share a slice of Gullah culture with a wider audience,” Allen says. “Preserving these traditions goes beyond physical structures; it’s about keeping the stories, the flavors, the crafts alive for future generations.”
A Call to Action for Aspiring Advocates
Looking forward, Allen’s advice for aspiring advocates is rooted in community engagement and unwavering perseverance. He emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s own history and building strong alliances, acknowledging the challenges that often accompany this work.
“First, get to know your story, your history, your heritage, and your community. Soak it all up,” he advises. “Be considerate of yourself and be willing to stand up against headwinds. Can’t say everything I did was easy because it was not. Opposition, pushback, disbelief, prejudice is there too.”
Mike Allen remains steadfast in his conviction. “I think we’re in a time and season where good works that we may have been involved in are simply invisible to a lot of Americans. That makes me more diligent about preservation and recognition,” he says. “I’m not afraid, I won’t be silenced. You shouldn’t be either.”
By: Stacey Young, Archaeologist at South Carolina State Park Service
May 6, 2024
The Ask an Expert series features Q + A’s with people who are experts in a particular field or who have a depth of knowledge around historic preservation. We ask experts a variety of short answer questions and ask for their advice to Black preservation projects and leaders.
Would you be willing to be featured as an expert? Send us an email here.
Q: Introduce yourself! Tell us a little about you. How did you get started in your field? What kind of projects have you worked on?
My name is Stacey Young and I am an Archaeologist for the South Carolina State Park Service. I am responsible for managing archaeological resources on all 47 operational parks and newly acquired properties. Generally, my responsibilities include resource protection, research, and education and interpretation. I have served in this position for 4 years and have been working professionally as an archaeologist for about 20 years. Prior to working with State Parks, I worked in the private sector for various Cultural Resource Management firms based in Columbia. I have worked across the eastern United States on various types of compliance related projects and archaeological sites ranging from lithic quarry sites used by Indigenous people 8,000 years ago to 50-year-old sites used for military training activities. As an undergraduate in college, I studied anthropology and became interested in communities; how people organize, form, and maintain communities and how communities develop and change over time. I enrolled in an archaeological field school one summer and learned how I enjoyed the physical aspects of the outdoor fieldwork as well as the thought-provoking nature of the investigations. Recently, I have been working on archaeological projects at Rose Hill Plantation, Redcliffe Plantation, and Sesquicentennial State Park looking for evidence of former buildings and spaces occupied and used by African Americans, trying to gain more understanding of these communities and engaging with descendant and local communities who have connections to the people or places. Many of these projects are working in partnership with archaeologists and anthropologists from the University of South Carolina and South Carolina State University which allows opportunities for training students in the discipline.
Q: What is your specialty or specific area of expertise?
My specific area of expertise is African American and Indigenous archaeology and I’m skilled at working collaboratively with communities to ensure projects respect their cultural heritage.
Q: How does your work in archaeology intersect with preserving African American historic spaces?
Archaeology is a tool that can be used to provide information about the lived experiences of African American communities and spaces. While buildings and documents may not survive, or even exist, the material culture (artifacts and landscapes) left behind and often buried over time can be used to inform us of past activities and help us recognize former spaces that may not be visible above ground.
Q: What do people in preservation need to know about archaeology? How is it relevant to them?
Many people do not realize that most archaeological work in the United States is conducted because there is a federal law (Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act) that requires this work be performed prior to any federal undertaking. If your preservation project is a historic building or space, it is possible that there are associated archaeological deposits. Archaeological investigations may provide additional information about people who used the space and how the landscape changed overtime. This information may enhance the interpretation and significance of the resource and allow you to tell a broader story.
Q: What steps would you recommend for people who are not a professional archaeologist?
If you are researching a privately owned property, make sure that you are talking with the landowner. If you are researching places or sites located on state or federally owned properties contact someone from the agency and inquire about any information or research materials in their files, and be familiar with the laws and regulations. Reach out to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO); they generally maintain a list of professional archaeologists working throughout the state and information about the services offered. The SHPO website also has a list of various archaeology resources across the state which may be applicable to your project. If you are interested in archaeological research, make sure to engage with professional archaeologists who have prior experience working on similar projects and are qualified to perform the work. Generally, if someone contacts me about a project that is not on SCPRT property, I try to connect them with an archaeologist that has expertise related to their research project.
Q: What do people in preservation need to know about archaeology?
Many historic places contain archaeological sites. When you are thinking about preservation projects, you should consider identifying and preserving the archaeological components as well.
Q: If you had to give just one piece of advice to folks who are looking to bring archaeology into their preservation project, what would it be?
Archaeology provides supplementary information which can enhance the documentary research or architectural resource.
The Learning Lab series provides practical tips, advice, and guidance on specific historic preservation topics that are relevant to African American preservation projects. We hope these posts help community members and leaders better navigate the complexities of historic preservation work successfully.
What We’re Reading: Historic Preservation Edition I
Author: Brent Leggs, National Trust for Historic Preservation
Recommendation: This report asks a crucial question: “how can preservation be a force for advancing equitable development and social justice in African American neighborhoods and other communities of color? This report seeks to unpack some of the multidimensional and intersectional issues stemming from place-based structural inequities that continue to impact communities today. Our goal is twofold: first, to understand the implications of different forms of place-based injustice and their impact on the preservation of African American cultural heritage; and second, to identify preservation-based strategies for equitable growth that respect the historical and present-day realities and conditions of African American neighborhoods.”
Recommendation: This newly published collection highlights places across the US where we can see systemic racism in the built environment and the erasure of Black communities. “Black landscapes matter because they tell the truth. In this vital new collection, acclaimed landscape designer and public artist Walter Hood assembles a group of notable landscape architecture and planning professionals and scholars to probe how race, memory, and meaning intersect in the American landscape.”
Topics: cultural landscapes, architecture, built environment, art, memory
Recommendation: An interesting read to learn an overview of the history of African American historic preservation and the struggles still embodied today. This article features the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund as a major player and features some stories of preservation projects as they fight to protect and honor their legacy. Click here for a free pdf.
Recommendation: Colleges and universities contain some of our oldest buildings – a fact that many both within and outside of the campus place value in. But preservation has not always been a priority for campuses, and especially not conversations about what campuses should preserve and why. This is starting to shift however, and this article covers this growing shift in preservation thinking.
Recommendation: This book focuses on preservation of cities, and “the many ways that saving and restoring [the] historic fabric can help a city create thriving neighborhoods, good jobs, and a vibrant economy.” The history of urban development and recent urban resurgence is discussed and itt acknowledges both the positives and deep issues with this phenomenon (although it is not a book about the effects of urban renewal on Black communities, and could do a better job of addressing this reality.) The author “explains the critical importance of preservation for all our communities, the ways the historic preservation field has evolved to embrace the challenges of the twenty-first century, and the innovative work being done in the preservation space now.”
Recommendation: “In this instant New York Times bestseller, Jermaine Fowler takes a sweeping survey of human history to show how Black humanity has been erased and how its recovery can save the humanity of us all.”
Topics: Black history, whitewashed history, erasure, truth-telling, memory
Recommendation: South Carolina historic preservationist Joseph McGill, Jr. began the Slave Dwelling Project in 2010 in order to bring attention to the fact that formerly enslaved peoples’ dwellings still stand, and to foster honest conversations about history and race. “In this enlightening personal account, one man tells the story of his groundbreaking project to sleep overnight in former slave dwellings that still stand across the country—revealing the fascinating history behind these sites and shedding light on larger issues of race in America.”
Plans for a new Walmart unexpectedly helped spur a second career for Jannie Harriot as a passionate advocate for African American historic preservation in South Carolina.
The Hartsville native had just returned to her hometown in 1990 after nearly 20 years of teaching and community agency work in New Jersey when the local school board announced it would be selling a former high school to the retail giant for the site of a new store.
Since 1921 that site had been home to multiple schools for the town’s Black community until it ultimately closed in 1982. Ms. Harriot was a graduate of one of those schools – Butler High School – and helped lead a community effort to save the old site.
They did indeed save it, and Ms. Harriot went on to play a pivotal role in African American historic preservation across South Carolina, culminating with her appointment as a charter member of the South Carolina African American Heritage Commission (SCAAHC) and the creation of its foundation, now known as WeGOJA.
From College to Teaching, Education Work, and Now Historic Preservation Work
Ms. Harriot attended Talladega College in Alabama, Fayetteville State University in North Carolina, the University of South Carolina in Columbia, and Montclair State College in New Jersey.
She taught in public schools in both Carolinas and at community colleges in New York and New Jersey. She also has served as executive director for several non-profit organizations and executive director of the Allendale County First Steps to School Readiness.
At home in Hartsville, she was the founding chairperson of the Butler Heritage Foundation when they successfully petitioned the Darlington County Board of Education to deed the Butler High School in Hartsville to the foundation for preservation.
During her tenure as chair, the SCAAHC has published African American historic places guides and teaching materials. She is currently the executive director for programs and development at the Cecil Williams South Carolina Civil Rights Museum.
Here, Ms. Harriot shares more of her journey
Tell us more about the Butler work that got you started on this journey.
Jannie Harriot: Well, ironically, I knew nothing about historic preservation when I returned to South Carolina and Hartsville after 18 years in New Jersey. I had no plans and didn’t know what I was going to do next. Then one of my former teachers came to my house and told me that the school district is about to sell Butler for a Walmart and that I needed to go on a local radio station community talk show the next morning and tell everyone why they shouldn’t do that.
So, the next morning I got up and did the show and talked about why I thought my high school building was so important and why it should remain a part of the community. There was another person who taught at Butler who wanted to get involved, too.
We knew nothing about the process, really, but we decided to form a non-profit organization and worked to get members of all the graduating classes from Butler involved. For the next year, I spent my time talking to local officials and other community members convincing them that Butler should not be a Walmart.
That was in 1990 and 1991. So today, the Butler Heritage Foundation owns the property. We have a Boys & Girls Club there now, and a senior citizens club, and an historic building that has its own state marker.
That effort also led to a meeting in 1992 with the state Department of Archives and History and to a conference about the lack of historic preservation for African Americans in South Carolina. Thus was created first the South Carolina African American Heritage Council and several years later the African American Heritage Commission.
What about the Walmart? Jannie Harriot: Oh, they got their Walmart. On another site about three blocks down the street.
Around South Carolina in general, what did the field of African American preservation look like at that time? Jannie Harriot: Basically, nothing was being done at that time. That’s the first thing I learned when I, this business teacher from New Jersey who knew nothing about historic preservation, found myself on this commission with all these historians and professors.
But we all knew that African American history was very important and that it was being neglected in South Carolina, both in the schools and in preserving important sites. That’s not to say people hadn’t been trying. Dr. Barbara Jenkins down in Orangeburg was one of those people trying to do things, but basically there was no support from the state or from most communities.
What keeps you committed to this work? What drives your personal passion for it? Jannie Harriot: Well, I’m a child of the 60s. I took part in the marches. I’m also a person who believes that our children deserve the best of the best. I have none of my own, but my nieces and nephews tell me there’s something like 170 of us in four generations of our family.
I want a better world for all of them. I want all African Americans to be, as Dr. Martin Luther King said, recognized for who they are, not for what color they are. And I think that when we tell our true stories, when we preserve our important historic sites, that helps create an opportunity for that vision to become a reality.
What do you see has the most gratifying outcome of your work so far? Jannie Harriot: When the SCAAHC was created in 1993, there were only 36 sites in South Carolina listed on the National Register of Historic Places or displaying a state historical marker. Today there are more than 300.
Mind you, the historical marker program itself was started in 1936. It’s not because the SCAAHC created all those new sites in the past 30 years that we’re up to more than 300. But we surely played our part by encouraging and helping people in their home communities to recognize their own history and to uplift it by applying for state historical markers and for listing on the National Register.
After almost 20 years of having chaired the SCAAHC, the recognition of these sites that so significantly shaped our history and our culture is both validating and gratifying.
Along with the physical proof – the listings and markers – what other progress and changes have you witnessed in the African American historic preservation movement?
Jannie Harriot: More acceptance of the culture and of the contributions of African Americans in our state and in our country.
If people don’t really know about it, they can’t appreciate it. So, what I think is that the more we talk about those accomplishments, the more we talk about those contributions, the more other people will recognize what was done by the people of this state – by the Black people of this state – to create the South Carolina we see today.
What do you see as the biggest barriers to preserving African American history and historic spaces now? Jannie Harriot: Do you need to ask? I mean, can you imagine what’s going on? Can we talk about what’s going on in our General Assembly and in other state legislatures across the country? Being told that our history should not be taught in schools? Where do you teach them then? Where do kids learn about our contributions, our history? How are they going to know about it?
That simply is the biggest barrier. And if kids are not going to learn about African American history in the classroom, it’s up to us outside of the classroom to do what we can to make them aware of it.
How do you do that? What is your best advice or people who would like to get involved? Jannie Harriot: You know, I was having a conversation with someone a few days ago, and we were talking about Briggs vs. Elliot and about the new laws that are preventing the teaching of Black history, and what we said was, “Hey, break the law.”
I think about those teachers in Elloree, South Carolina, who quit their jobs because the state law said you can’t belong to the NAACP and be a teacher here. Now this generation of folks have to say, the heck with that, we’re going to do what needs to be done, too.
So, I say, get involved. Talk to our legislators. Help them understand that this is crazy. That they’re trying to disenfranchise a whole group of people by negating their past just because you find some of that history uncomfortable.
Can you imagine how uncomfortable I feel many times when I’m sitting in a state meeting or organization or a commission, and I’m the only Black person there, and everybody’s talking about their history, and my history is not even being discussed?
These stories won’t tell themselves. That’s our responsibility, to those who came before us, to ourselves, and to those yet to come.
