Sunday marked the 58th anniversary of the Orangeburg Massacre, commemorating the lives of three young men senselessly taken on the campus of South Carolina State University on February 8, 1968.

HCF joins the nation in commemorating this pivotal moment in American history and the Civil Rights Movement. Below is a statement from HCF Founder, President and CEO Demetrius Johnson, Jr. on the 58th Anniversary of the Orangeburg Massacre.

“February 8, 1968, remains a day of profound and unimaginable tragedy, one that holds enduring significance in both my heart and our nation’s history. We continue to speak the names of Samuel Hammond Jr., Henry E. Smith, and Delano H. Middleton—three young men whose lives were senselessly taken on the campus of South Carolina State University during a valiant struggle against racial segregation. Their courageous action and unwavering commitment to equality for all Americans will forever be honored, as we also pay tribute to the twenty-eight individuals who were injured. 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. That it occurred on the campus of an HBCU further underscores its lasting significances in our collective history.

Over the weekend, the nation commemorated the 58th anniversary of the Orangeburg Massacre, honoring the bravery of those who fought — and continue to fight — for social justice in America. Though the struggle remain unfinished, we will not be silenced. I urge everyone to preserve in this fight: to stand up, speak out, and be heard, just as Henry, Samuel, and Delano did on the campus of South Carolina State University. Let us Recommit ourselves to building a more just and equitable world.

In remembrance of the Orangeburg Massacre, I encourage you to visit the campus of South Carolina State University and view the memorial featuring bronze busts of Henry Smith, Samuel Hammond, and Delano Middleton. This memorial offers a powerful opportunity to reflect on this historic event and to deepen our understanding of it significance.

Additionally, I recommend visiting the Cecil Williams Civil Rights Museum in Orangeburg and the Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery, Alabama. The SPLC Civil Rights Memorial honors the names of civil rights martyrs, including Henry, Samuel, and Delano, and serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles for equality and justice.

— Demetrius Johnson Jr., HCF Founder, President & CEO

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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.