Saturday marked the 57th anniversary of the Orangeburg Massacre, we pause to commemorate the three young men that was senselessly killed on the campus of South Carolina State University.

HCF joins the nation in commemorating this pivotal moment in American history and the Civil Rights Movement. Read the statement from HCF founder, President, and CEO Demetrius Johnson Jr. on the 58th anniversary of the Orangeburg Massacre below.

“February 8, 1968, will always be a day of unimaginable tragedy. We continue to speak the names of Samuel Hammond Jr., Henry E. Smith, and Delano H. Middleton, the three young men who lives were senselessly taken on the campus of South Carolina State University during the valiant struggle against racial segregation. Their courageous actions and unwavering commitment to equality for all Americans will forever be cherished and we pay tribute to the twenty-eight individuals who sustained injuries. This pivotal moment in American history and the Civil Rights Movement stands as a testament to the power of unity and the enduring spirit of those who dared to challenge the status quo. Moreover, it occurred on one of our HBCUs, making it a significant event in our history.

Over the weekend, the nation commemorated the 57th anniversary of the Orangeburg Massacre, honoring the bravery of those who fought and continue to fight for social justice in America. Although the struggle is far from over and therefore unfinished, we shall never be silenced. I urge everyone to preserve in the fight, stand up, and be heard, as exemplified by Henry, Samuel, and Delano on the campus of SCSU. Let us commit ourselves to creating a more just and equitable world.

In remembrance of the Orangeburg Massacre, I encourage you to visit the campus of South Carolina State University to witness the memorial featuring bronze busts of Henry Smith, Samuel Hammond, and Delano Middleton. This memorial offers a glimpse into this historical event and provides an opportunity to learn more about its significance.

Furthermore, I recommend visiting the Cecil Williams Civil Rights Museum in Orangeburg and the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) in Montgomery, Alabama. The SPLC Civil Rights Memorial honor the names of the civil rights martyrs, including Henry, Samuel, and Delano, and serves as powerful reminders of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.”

– Demetrius Johnson Jr., founder, President and CEO, HCF

About the HBCU Campaign Fund
The HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) was founded in 2012 and is a non-profit educational organization that remains a strong advocate for students and higher education. The mission of HCF is to support the significance and raise funds for scholarships, programs, and for private and public HBCUs and MSIs. For more information, visit www.hbcucampaignfund.org.

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