Dr. Filani Bronze Bust Sculpture Interview Bust Soundbites

 At the center of South Carolina State University sits the Smith Hammond Middleton Legacy Plaza, a striking monument to the past. Three young men, Samuel Hammond Jr., Henry Smith, and Delano Middleton, are commemorated here with busts in memory of their horrific deaths in the 1968 Orangeburg Massacre. Dr. Tolulope Filani, the chair of Orangeburg Massacres Fine Arts Department, is the creator of these intriguing sculptures."  

In the aftermath, the Orangeburg Massacre received limited media coverage compared to other civil rights protests, but it left an indelible mark on the community and the nation. The tragedy served as a catalyst for change, galvanizing efforts for civil rights and raising awareness of the struggles faced by African Americans. Today, the site of the massacre stands as a memorial, reminding future generations of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of equality and justice.

Soundbite 1: Dr. Tolulope Filani

"How do we celebrate ourselves?     

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SOT 1 Dr. Filani :20

In: Don't Celebrate ourselves enough

Out: Send appeals to university

SOT Transcript: Dr. Filani's work encapsulates the spirit of resilience and the quest for equality that defined the era. The Orangeburg Massacre was a turning point in the civil rights movement, and these sculptures aim to keep that history alive."

Soundbite 2:
"Was it a difficult task to obtain?

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SOT 2 Dr. Felani : 35

In: Holds Bachelor and Master of Arts Degrees

Out: It wasn't difficult for him at all

SOT Transcript: "The 3 popular photographs and having to obtain an attorney in the arts, in studio and sculpture. I wasn't difficult because he was a student of arts and wanted to give back.". 

Soundbite 3 1:20

"How you change the system?"

SOT 3 Dr. Felani :

In: Matched his energy of words of criticize the system

Out: Took it upon himself

SOT Transcripts" "It is worthless when you criticize the system and can't bring something to match it, so I took it upon myself started sculpture and started working, invited individuals knew or were some of their classmates.

5 Question Interview Classmate !

 Good afternoon, bulldogs! My name is Shawntravis Holden and today I had the chance to interview track athlete Jalon Kimbrough. He is a Junior Mass Communications major, and he tells us about his upbringings in track and how coming to State allowed him to find a brotherhood within his teammates. 

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