News Summary
Spartanburg is preparing to unveil the Southside Cultural Monument on June 14, which honors Black history and the legacy of the Southside community. The monument features 37 interchangeable panels, allowing for the addition of future stories, and aims to foster dialogue and education about historical injustices. Designed by a local art professor, this initiative reflects years of planning and community support, with over $1 million raised for its construction. The unveiling ceremony will include prominent speakers and aims to promote a message of hope and revitalization for the area.
Spartanburg is set to unveil a new monument dedicated to celebrating Black history on June 14, 2025. Named the Southside Cultural Monument, the structure is currently covered as preparations for the unveiling ceremony are underway. The monument will be located at the corner of South Converse Street and Hudson Barksdale Boulevard, adjacent to Mary H. Wright Greenway Park.
The Southside Cultural Monument measures 150 feet in length and features 37 panels displaying illustrations that highlight significant aspects of Black history. Notably, these panels have been designed to be interchangeable, which allows for future images and stories to be added, ensuring the monument remains dynamic and relevant.
Planning and execution of this project have taken several years, with delays affecting the installation of the panels. The entire initiative has been financed through a mix of state funding and private donations, totaling just over $1 million. The designer of the monument, Jessica Scott-Felder, is a noted studio art professor at Wofford College.
The unveiling ceremony is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on June 14, where several speakers are anticipated to address the audience. Notable speakers include Jessica Scott-Felder, local historian Brad Steinecke, Spartanburg Deputy City Manager Mitch Kennedy, former Spartanburg Mayor James Talley, former state Representative Brenda Lee Pryce, and state Representative Rosalyn Henderson-Myers.
The primary objective of the monument is to represent the diverse community of Spartanburg, particularly emphasizing the historical significance of Southside as a center of business and economic activity for African Americans. According to city officials, the monument serves to honor the contributions of African Americans who have shaped the history of Spartanburg.
The monument also hopes to play a role in fostering reconciliation and education around past injustices, as articulated by City Councilwoman Erica Brown. Historically, the Southside was known for having over 50 Black-owned businesses that were tragically displaced during urban renewal efforts executed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in the 1970s. Today, the neighborhood is still in the process of economic recovery and has been classified as a food desert, indicated by the closure of a recently opened Piggly Wiggly grocery store within one year of its inception.
City Councilwoman Erica Brown expressed a hope that the monument would act as a reminder of Southside’s potential for revival and sustainable economic opportunities. The unveiling event is anticipated to promote dialogue regarding the future of the community while also respecting the rich historical legacy of the area.
The Southside Cultural Monument stands not only as a tribute to the past but as an emblem of hope and revitalization for the future of Spartanburg and its community. As the unveiling date approaches, excitement and anticipation build for both the ceremony and what the monument represents for the city and its residents.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Southside Spartanburg Residents Express Development Concerns
Spartanburg’s Southside Community Receives $1 Million Grant
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Southside Cultural Monument
- Google Search: Spartanburg Black history monument
- WSPA: New Black History Museum in Greenville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Black History Monument
- Greenville Online: Anderson County African American Museum
- Google News: Southside Cultural Monument
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
