In Our Community...

*Derek Black Shares His Views on The Insurrection

The January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol underscores how our democracy is flawed and fragile. While the attack was unsuccessful, the dangers of disinformation and emboldened domestic extremist groups continue to threaten the long-term stability of our nation.

On March 2 at 6 p.m., Derek Black, a former leader in the white nationalist movement, will join Furman faculty member Aaron Simmons, PhD, for a virtual conversation about the undercurrents, identities, and passions that motivated the January 6 mob. Simmons studies the philosophy of both religion and politics.

Join us and learn more about the importance of addressing the unsettling realities our country is facing.

Derek Black grew up at the epicenter of white nationalism. His father, Don Black, founded Stormfront, the largest racist community on the internet. His godfather, David Duke, was a KKK Grand Wizard. By the time Derek turned 19, he was regarded as the leading light of the burgeoning white nationalist movement.

In college, he encountered diverse perspectives and for the first time questioned the science, history, and prejudices behind his worldview. Eventually, at tremendous personal cost, he disavowed everything he was taught to believe. He is the subject of Rising Out of Hatred: The Awakening of a Former White Nationalist by Pulitzer prize-winning author Eli Saslow.

*Benedict College Alumna and Activist, Septima Poinsette Clark honored with a collectible coin by the United States Mint
The American Innovation $1 Coin Program Pays Tribute to one of South Carolina’s Most Notable Civil Right Leaders

COLUMBIA, SC., February 10, 2021 – Benedict College alumna and civil rights leader Septima Poinsette Clark is being honored with a collectible coin issued by the United States Mint. The $1 coin depicts Septima Poinsette Clark marching with three Black students carrying books and an American flag. It illustrates education as the pathway to equality and freedom for Black people in America and highlights Clark as an educator and activist leading the way.
“Mrs. Septima Poinsette Clark is one of our most distinguished graduates and is most deserving of this celebrated honor. Clark developed literacy and citizenship workshops that played an important role in the drive for voting and civil rights. Unfortunately, many young people are unaware of the depth and breadth of her contributions. She was widely known as ‘Queen Mother’ to those who knew her. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., commonly referred to her as the ‘The Mother of the Movement,’ said Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President and CEO of Benedict College. In fact, at his request, she accompanied Dr. King to Norway in 1964 when he was presented the Nobel Peace Prize. She is a trailblazer and a shero because she believed and understood that knowledge could empower marginalized people in ways that the legal equality system in this country could not. She pioneered the link between education and political organizing with the purpose of gaining the right to vote – thus, an equal voice as an American citizen.”
Septima Poinsette Clark graduated from Benedict College on May 26, 1942, with a B.A. degree. Unable to go to college immediately upon finishing high school in 1916, Clark passed the state examination for teaching and began working as an educator on John’s Island.

*Electoral Initiative at Lander University to feature prominent S.C. Activists and Campaign Leaders
The community is invited to participate in a live, virtual seminar with some of South Carolina’s most prominent activists and persons who have worked on political campaigns on Monday, Feb. 22, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Speakers will include Mary Anne Inglis, of Greenville; Laurin Manning Gandy, of Florence; and Jerry Blassingame, of Greer.