To Our Clemson:
The past few weeks have been some of the most challenging, uncomfortable weeks of our nation in recent memory. In Community Achievement and Student Empowerment (CASE), we believe in the power of naming and addressing issues that plague our nation, for we know that Clemson University does not exist in a silo. We call the names of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, and all of the other victims of police brutality whose stories have gone unrecorded or unreported. Police brutality against Black lives is yet another symptom of the larger pandemic that is systemic oppression within our nation.
As a department, we are committed to dismantling the oppression and marginalization in higher education that has served to maintain inequity in our society for Black people since the first college in the United States was created in 1636. In 1799, 163 years after the start of higher education in America, John Chavis was the first Black person on record to attend an American college or university. It took an additional 20 years before Alexander Lucius Twilight became the first Black person to graduate from an American college or university. In 1862, Mary Jane Patterson became the first Black woman to receive a bachelor’s degree. For each Black person that gained access to a college education their experience was plagued by the racism. In 1941, Lucien V. Alexis Jr.– a Black Harvard lacrosse player- was not allowed to play in a game versus the U.S. Naval Academy as they would not allow him on the field; this led to protests and action of Harvard refusing to play any future games with similar requirements. For every Black student that gained access, we know that overwhelmingly more Black people were denied access to college. Today, the racism that the first Black students experienced during their collegiate experience is still prevalent for today’s Black students. Furthermore, racism that the first Black students experienced during their collegiate experience is still prevalent for today’s Black students.
Our University is a microcosm of what has existed in the context of higher education. We remind our Clemson community that our university stands on stolen Indigenous land that was cultivated by the hands of enslaved Africans and their descendants. We remind our Clemson community that the buildings that house this university were built by the hands of convict laborers, many of whom received no due process. We remind our Clemson community that this university, with such a strong military history along with other historically white institutions, excluded Black World War II veterans from attending and barred their use of the G.I. Bill (a bill that played an instrumental role in allowing white WWII veterans access to social mobility). We remind our Clemson community that Black students were prohibited from attending Clemson University until 1963, nearly 70 years after its founding date.
Yes, these past few weeks have been uncomfortable in our nation, but as the saying goes: There’s No Growth in the Comfort Zone. We have seen millions of people from across the globe, with diverse identities and backgrounds, speak out against racism, police brutality, and white supremacy in hopes for justice and reformation. We have seen streets flooded with peaceful protesters. We have seen local and national leaders use their platforms to speak out against these problems and call for real change that works for all people. We have seen large corporations, national non-profits, universities, religious organizations, departments, athletes, actors, military generals, and many more share powerful statements declaring their support for the black community and provide tangible action items on how they will contribute to solve these systemic problems. While these problems are not new, this fight seems different.
To align with our values of relationship, equity, accountability and leadership, CASE commits to the following:
Above all, we want you to know that we see you, we hear you, and we stand with you. We leave you with a quote from Dr. Angela Davis who once said, “In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist.” CASE is committed to being anti-racist and embarking on this journey with you. #BlackLivesMatter
The Staff of Community Achievement and Student Empowerment
DeOnte Brown, Brennan Beck, Sarah Dumas, Jo Walker, Sariel Harmon, Peyton Bade, Simone Richardson
Resources for Action
As you continue to process this situation, we recognize that you may want to find a way to do your part to dismantle these systems of oppression and contribute to this movement. While this list is not all inclusive, it provides a starting point in finding your voice amidst the many voices calling for change.
Learn About the Movement:
Donate to the Movement:
Engage in Conversation:
Finding Your Role as an Activist:
Mental Health Resources
General
Black People and Other People of Color
Student Veteran
