Clemson University hired Carrel Cowan-Ricks of Michigan in the Department of Historic Houses and the College of Architecture in 1991. At the time, she was one of just three Black female archeologists in the United States. Tasked with finding evidence of a historic Black burial ground on the western slope of Woodland Cemetery as expansion pressures came with space decreasing for modern burials for Clemson employees, Cowan-Ricks could not do this endeavor alone. She began her Cemetery Hill Archeological Dig Project, which included herself, Clemson University students, Anderson middle schoolers, and other volunteers. They conducted three digs on the hill’s west side, thought to be the Historic African American Burial Ground, where enslaved people and convicted laborers lay resting. In continuing to honor the late professor during Women’s Celebration Month, here are several recounts from those who knew and worked with Cowan-Ricks.
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This is a special post re-published from the May 2023 newsletter. Read the full May 2023 newsletter. By Dr. David […]
This is a special post re-published from the March 2023 newsletter. Read the full March 2023 newsletter. By Alleyia Bailey, […]