The Sculpture

A Reflection of History.
A Symbol of Hope.
An Invitation to Remember.

Through art and storytelling, this traveling sculpture honors five lives taken by racial terror, creates space for honest reflection, and invites our community into the ongoing journey toward reconciliation and Beloved Community.

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A display of a large pile of charred logs arranged in a circular pattern on a wooden platform in a museum exhibit. The exhibit is roped off with black stanchions and gold accents, with spotlights illuminating the display.

Overview

Created by Anderson artist Herman Keith Jr., this sculpture stands as a symbol of remembrance, reconciliation, and hope.

Commissioned by the Anderson Area Remembrance & Reconciliation Initiative, the artwork honors the five documented victims of racial terror lynching in Anderson County and invites our community to confront history with honesty and compassion.

Through powerful imagery and symbolism, the sculpture creates space for reflection, conversation, and the continued journey toward Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of the Beloved Community.

Listen to our guided tour.

The Sculpture’s Journey

First unveiled on November 9, 2022, the sculpture was designed to move throughout the community, creating opportunities for remembrance, reflection, dialogue, and the continued work of building the Beloved Community.

Follow the sculpture’s journey across Anderson County.

  • November 9, 2022 – February 23, 2023

    The sculpture was first unveiled at Welfare Baptist Church in Belton, South Carolina, beginning its journey of remembrance and reconciliation. This first installation invited the community to encounter the artwork, learn the stories of the five victims, and begin conversations around history, healing, and hope.

    Location:
    2176 Bolt Drive
    Belton, SC 29627

  • February 28, 2023 – June 15, 2023

    The sculpture continued its journey at the Pendleton Library, creating a public space where visitors could pause, reflect, and engage with Anderson County’s history. Through education and awareness, the exhibit encouraged conversations about remembrance and the pursuit of a more just community.

    Location:
    650 South Mechanic Street
    Pendleton, SC 29670

  • June 19, 2023 – September 16, 2023

    Installed at AnMed’s North Campus, the sculpture reached patients, healthcare professionals, families, and community members. The exhibit served as a reminder that healing includes acknowledging our shared history and creating spaces where dignity and compassion guide the future.

    Location:
    2000 E Greenville Street
    Anderson, SC 29621

  • September 21, 2023 – September 27, 2024

    At Anderson University’s Thrift Library, the sculpture became a place of education, research, and reflection for students, faculty, and visitors. Its presence encouraged a new generation to explore history, ask difficult questions, and participate in the ongoing work of reconciliation.

    Location:
    Thrift Library – 2nd Floor
    Kingsley Road
    Anderson, SC

  • September 28, 2024 – Present

    The sculpture’s journey continues at the Anderson Arts Center, where art, history, and community come together. As a public exhibit, the sculpture continues inviting visitors to remember the five lives lost, reflect on the legacy of racial injustice, and imagine the future of Beloved Community.

    Current Location:
    110 Federal Street
    Anderson, SC 29621

Close-up of a glass jar labeled 'Reuben Elrod' filled with soil, viewed from between two rusted metal beams, with two men in casual clothing and hats in the background at an indoor setting.
A group of people gathered around a memorial display of burned and charred wood, with some individuals taking photos or observing. The setting appears to be a memorial or remembrance event.
People seated in chairs watching a presentation in a rustic conference room with exposed brick walls and wooden beams. A person is speaking at a podium. There is a display of logs and a fire pit in the foreground.
A group of people, some wearing masks, standing and talking near a stanchion in a library or bookstore. There are shelves of books visible in the background and a row of golf bags in the foreground.

Visit The Sculpture

Anderson Arts Center
Atrium Gallery
110 Federal Street
Anderson, SC 29621

Hours
Tuesday–Friday
10am–5pm

Website
https://andersonarts.org

 

Featured Story

From Darkness Into Light: Documentary Storytelling Journey

This documentary shares the story behind the creation of Herman Keith Jr.’s memorial sculpture honoring Ed Sullivan, Elbert Harris, John Laddison, Reuben Elrod, and Willis Jackson—the five documented victims of racial terror lynching in Anderson County.

Created by students in Anderson University’s Documentary Storytelling course, the film explores the vision behind the project, the collaboration between artists Herman Keith Jr. and Tim McElveen, and the community effort to transform remembrance into a public work of reconciliation.

Through interviews and storytelling, the documentary reveals how art can help preserve history, create conversation, and continue the journey toward Beloved Community.

This documentary was a product of Anderson University's COM 451 Class: Documentary Storytelling. This project was created in the Spring of 2024.

Team Members:
Silas Brendle - Videographer & Editor
Ashlynn Dapper - Producer
Abby Fowler - Producer
Luke Pecoraro - Videographer & Editor

Executive Producer:
Bobby Rettew, MA / COM 451 Instructor
Assistant Professor
Anderson University
Department of Communication

  • Icon of a candle inside a brown circle.

    REMEMBRANCE

    Who must we honor?
    Honoring the five lives lost by preserving their stories through public art, reflection, and shared memory.

  • Icon of two speech bubbles representing messaging or chat.

    RECONCILIATION

    What work must we do together?
    Creating space for honest conversations that acknowledge the past and build relationships across our community.

  • Icon of a group of three people inside a gold circle.

    BELOVED COMMUNITY

    What future are we building?
    Inspiring future generations to pursue justice, healing, and a community rooted in dignity and belonging.

"The end is reconciliation; the end is redemption; the end is the creation of the Beloved Community."

— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.