News Summary
A new monument honoring the Black community’s rich history in Spartanburg will be unveiled soon. Located at South Converse Street and Hudson Barksdale Boulevard, it features 37 panels depicting significant figures and places from the community’s past. The unveiling ceremony, significant for local leaders, emphasizes the project’s importance in honoring Spartanburg’s heritage, particularly in light of urban renewal’s impact on the Southside neighborhood.
Spartanburg – A new monument honoring the rich history of the Black community in Spartanburg will be unveiled on Saturday, June 14, at 10 a.m. The Southside Cultural Monument is strategically located at the corner of South Converse Street and Hudson Barksdale Boulevard, and aims to preserve and celebrate the legacy of a community that, in the past, was vibrant with Black-owned businesses, educational institutions, and places of worship.
The unveiling ceremony is significant, particularly for those like State Representative Rosalyn Henderson-Myers, who grew up in the Southside neighborhood. Henderson-Myers emphasized the importance of this project, describing it as “one of the more consequential projects” for honoring Spartanburg’s Black history. The monument is not just a structure; it embodies the efforts to remember and revitalize a community profoundly affected by urban renewal programs in the late 1960s and early 1970s that led to the displacement of residents and the destruction of numerous local businesses.
The Southside Cultural Monument comprises 37 panels featuring illustrations that depict the significant figures and places associated with the community’s history. The panels are designed to be rotated to include new images in the future, ensuring that the monument remains a living tribute. Additionally, a small outdoor classroom equipped with interactive displays and a history booklet will accompany the monument, aiming to educate visitors about the Southside’s past and inspire local youth regarding their community’s achievements.
Support for the project has gradually grown, with financial contributions from various sources. The state of South Carolina alone provided $940,000 toward the monument’s total cost exceeding $1 million. Private donors and collaboration with the City of Spartanburg’s African American Heritage and Cultural Committee, led by former mayor James Talley, have also played essential roles in the project’s development.
Artist Jessica Scott-Felder, who has participated in the project, highlighted the community’s need for increased representation in artistic spaces during a groundbreaking ceremony held earlier this year. The monument not only serves as a reminder of the vibrant Black community that once thrived in Spartanburg but also emphasizes the necessity for continued support for the Southside’s revitalization efforts.
Historically, the Southside was home to over 50 Black-owned businesses that flourished until the mid-20th century when federal urban renewal initiatives led to their decline. The current monument is positioned adjacent to the Mary H. Wright Greenway Park, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors who wish to explore the area and engage with its history.
Following the unveiling, a reception will be held at the nearby Unitarian Universalist Church of Spartanburg, where officials, including City Mayor Jerome Rice and various state lawmakers, are expected to gather, joining community members in celebrating the launch of this significant cultural achievement.
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Additional Resources
- GoUpstate: Southside Cultural Monument Unveiling
- Post and Courier: Southside Cultural Monument
- GoUpstate: Spartanburg’s 2025 Projects
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Southside Cultural Monument
- Post and Courier: Spartanburg Black History Monument Opening
