USC will take time this week to recognize the contributions of slaves who helped build or worked on the campus during its early years.
History professor Bob Weyeneth led students through years of research on the subject, working closely with university archivist Elizabeth West. Their work will culminate in two new plaques, one located at the head of the Horseshoe and the other by the President's House, acknowledging the contributions they uncovered.
One plaque, entitled "Slavery and the South Carolina College," commemorates the decades of slave labor from slaves owned by the school and private citizens that helped fuel the university in its early years. The other will mark the last remaining slave quarters on campus, and it will feature the names of slaves who lived and worked on the campus.
Multiple high-profile officials will speak at Rutledge Chapel on Tuesday morning as part of the ceremony. Speakers include Rep. Jim Clyburn as well as Columbia Mayor Steven K. Benjamin and Student Body President Ross Lordo.
Those looking to learn more about the slaves being recognized can check out the website developed by the researchers behind the project.
The ceremony, which is free and open to the public, begins Tuesday at 10 a.m.