a matter of practical use rather than erasure, the reality is that the college had an opportunity to create a space that educated students and the broader public about Clark’s contributions. Instead, they chose to prioritize an organization that has historically excluded Black women, further underscoring their disregard for Black legacy. Simply stated, when Black people are not in control of their own historical preservation, their stories are often rewritten or erased. The case of Septima Clark’s home is not just about one building, it is about the broader pattern of historical amnesia that continues to erase
Black contributions to society. If institutions like the College of Charleston truly valued Black history, they would ensure that sites like Clark’s home were preserved with the dignity and respect they deserve. The failure to preserve Black history is not just a symbolic issue, it has real-world consequences. When Black children grow up without access to their own history, they are denied the knowledge of their ancestor’s resilience, strength, and achievements. This erasure also fuels a false narrative that Black people have contributed little to American society, reinforcing systemic racism and white
supremacy.
of these legacies. This means demanding accountability from institutions, advocating for the preservation of Black historical sites, and creating independent spaces where Black history can be taught and honored. It is our responsibility to continue the fight for historical preservation, ensuring that figures like Septima Poinsette Clark, are not forgotten, but rightfully remembered as the revolutionary change agents they were! For more information about Septima Poinsette Clark, please visit the Benedict College Welcome Center where there is an installation on the legacy of Septima P. Clark.
Moreover, the disregard for Black historical spaces contributes to the ongoing displacement and marginalization of Black communities. Gentrification frequently results in the destruction of Black cultural landmarks, while historical sites significant to Black history are left to deteriorate due to lack of investment. Septima Clark’s birth home is a stark reminder that the responsibility of safeguarding Black heritage must remain in the hands of Black communities, scholars, and activists who understand the importance
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