1963 USC Desegregation Commemorative Garden
On September 11, 1963, Robert Anderson, Henrie Montieth, and James Solomon became the first African American students to enroll at the University of South Carolina since Reconstruction. The 1963 USC Desegregation Commemorative Garden marks the 50th anniversary of the historic day when the color barrier was broken at the state’s flagship university. Inspired by themes of diversity, equality, and transformation, the garden offers symbolic focal points including brick pathways and three juniper topiaries created by Pearl Fryar, a nationally renowned topiary artist of Bishopville, South Carolina. A granite monument features the poem, “The Irresistable Ones,” written by the 2011 National Book Award winner and USC professor Nikki Finney. The garden offers a quiet place for reflection and meaningful conversation.
Dedicated by the University of South Carolina and its corporate partners on April 11, 2014.