Call My Name: How Clemson was built

In the last few decades there has been a concerted effort to examine the origins of the establishment of South Carolina’s colleges and universities, specifically the part played by African Americans. Dr. Rhondda Thomas, the Calhoun Lemon Professor of Literature, leads this program at Clemson University.

A sixth generation South Carolinian, Dr. Thomas is leading research on the role that enslaved people played in creating Clemson University on the site of a former plantation owned by John C. Calhoun. Prior to beginning her work, the subject was deemed “too controversial” to be discussed or explored. Dr. Thomas has uncovered the stories of enslaved people, convict laborers, domestic workers and sharecroppers, who all contributed their labor to create what we now know as Clemson University. 

Dr. Rhondda Thomas

Dr. Thomas authored a book on the ongoing research called Call My Name Clemson: Documenting the Black Experience in an American University Community. The title of the book and the project reflect the call-and-response tradition in Black American culture, in which the musician, preacher or entertainer would give a call, after which the audience would give a response including singing, clapping or shouting.

Dr. Thomas and her team are continuing to uncover the untold stories of unknown laborers who contributed to the history of Clemson University. The team has a Facebook page where they call out names of African-American laborers daily.

Clemson University’s Researcher of the Year in 2021, Dr Thomas is also writing a new play and producing an eight-part video series based on her research. 

It is fitting that we have Dr. Thomas program as we celebrate Black History Month. Dr. Thomas’ presentation includes a look at her own heritage as she addresses her believe that every family should document its history.

Dr. Thomas will be joining us on Zoom on Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. The program is free but registration is required.