New Black History Monument Coming to Spartanburg

Spartanburg city will soon be unveiling a new monument dedicated to Black history. The monument, located near the Mary H. Wright Greenway Park on the junction of South Converse Street and Hudson Barksdale Boulevard, is set to open in late September this year.

A Monument to Black History

The Southside Cultural Monument, a 150-foot-long installation, aims to highlight the rich history and significant contributions of those who shaped the community. In particular, the monument brings attention to the once-thriving Liberty Street, home to over 50 Black-owned businesses that were later displaced during urban renewal in the 1970s initiated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The unveiling ceremony for the monument is scheduled for 1 p.m. on September 28 at 180 S. Converse St., Spartanburg.

An Exciting Peek into Local History

The monument, developed with a budget of just over $1 million from private donations and state funding, has been designed by Jessica Scott-Felder, a studio art professor at Wofford College and a well-known local artist.

This resin structure will showcase 37 panels, elaborating on different aspects of Black history through a variety of illustrations. These images have been donated to the project and can be replaced or rotated with new ones over time. The entire monument, including the panels, will be illuminated with newly installed lights.

Celebrating the Heritage

Christopher George, the city spokesman, spoke about the monument’s significance. He said, “It is huge for the city as a whole and will recognize folks who have never really had their contributions to Spartanburg really recognized by the city before, and that is something we really needed to correct for a long time now.”

The grand opening is bound to be a significant event, with several current and former state lawmakers, including Glenn Reese, Rosalyn Henderson-Myers, and Brenda Lee Pryce, scheduled to attend alongside Spartanburg Mayor Jerome Rice and former Mayor James Talley. These lawmakers had a significant role in securing state funding for the project.

Monument Accessibility

This monumental attraction is situated at Mary H. Wright Greenway Park and is easily accessible from several directions along a walking trail. As Christopher George puts it, “We are really excited that we have a date for it to open.”

In conclusion, the Southside Cultural Monument represents a crucial stride towards recognizing and celebrating Black history and contribution in Spartanburg. It serves as a reminder of the rich heritage that has shaped the city and sets an example for future generations.