Charleston Reporter

College of Charleston paid tribute to enslaved and Indigenous people with a new solar shade pavilion unveiled on Oct. 15.

The new solar shade pavilion, located near Rivers Green, will commemorate the Indigenous and enslaved people who labored and lived near the site throughout history, The College Today reports. 

“The new solar pavilion on campus embodies many of the themes and core values articulated in our strategic plan, Tradition & Transformation,” College of Charleston President Andrew Hsu told The College Today. “… The dedication ceremony of the solar pavilion allows the campus community an opportunity to recognize the enslaved people who built our city and also honor their memories and contributions. Out of that dark chapter of Charleston’s story, I am proud to say that we now bring light.”

Hsu said faculty and students led an archaeological dig during the pavilion’s construction and uncovered a 1853 slave tag labeled “servant."

According to the article, the project was partially funded with a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Energy through the S.C. Energy Office. As a result, the College was required to conduct an archeological excavation of the site prior to construction of the pavilion, which led to the discovery of the tag.

The uncovered slave tag will be on display during the unveiling event, alongside other artifacts from the 1700 and 1800s, including hearth animal bones and pottery.