Video courtesy of Anderson County YouTube Channel
Artist Herman Keith Jr, was commissioned by Anderson Area Remembrance and Reconciliation Initiative to create a statue commemorating five victims from Anderson County of racial lynching. This statue was unveiled on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at Welfare Baptist Church in Belton, SC.
Artists Tim McElveen who worked with Mr. Keith in the creation of the statue was in attendance as well to help with the unveiling. The statue is roughly 8 feet tall with the base roughly 8 feet wide and weighs approximately 1500 pounds. The jars with dirt, representing soil from sites where men were lynched, are suspended over burned wood, kerosene cans, bottles of alcohol, and things associated with how the victims suffered. Organizers said the ceremony is an ongoing effort to foster dialog, promote education and encourage conversations with a goal of inspiring harmony.
To view the pictures from the event, CLICK HERE.
