History
Why 1967?
The year 1967 is important to the College of Charleston’s history because it was the first year that Black students were admitted to the College of Charleston. In those early years, the College opened its doors to its first Black student trailblazers such as:- Eddie Ganaway.
- Linda Dingle Gadson.
- Carrie Nesbitt Gibbs.
- Vince Clark.
- Angela Brown.
- Gene Washington.
- Remus Harper.
- Otto German.
In 2017, the College of Charleston commemorated the 50th anniversary of the first Black student to enroll at the College by recognizing inspiring alumni who have propelled the College to create an inclusive, welcoming community for all.
Eddie Ganaway ‘71 was the first Black student to run for student government president. He was the first Black student to cross the cistern and graduate from the College. He went on to pursue a master’s degree in history at Duke University. The leadership skills he learned while at the College of Charleston helped him in his career as a teacher at Illinois State University and South Carolina State University. He was also an insurance adjuster for more than 20 years. In 2007, the College honored Ganaway with a Doctor of Humane Letters Degree. The College further honored his legacy by naming the Eddie Ganaway Distinguished Alumni Award and the Eddie Ganaway Diversity Education and Resource Center as a tribute to his contributions to the institution.
Linda Dingle Gadson ’72 was among one of the first Black women to graduate from the College of Charleston. Before transferring to the College, she worked at the Medical University of South Carolina and was part of the hospital workers’ strike. At the College, she was an Eleanor Roosevelt Scholar. Gadsden is celebrated as a champion for social justice. She served as the Executive Director of Rural Mission, Inc. for several decades, which provides services and resources for those in need on Johns Island. In 2010, then Governor Mark Sanford awarded her with the Order of the Palmetto, the highest honor a resident of South Carolina can receive from the Governor’s Office.
Carrie Nesbitt Gibbs ’72 was among one of the first Black women to enroll at the College in 1967, and she was also one of the first Black students to graduate from the College of Charleston.
Angela Brown ‘72 was among one of the first Black women to enroll at the College in 1967, and she was also one of the first Black students to graduate from the College of Charleston.
Remus Harper ‘72 was the first College of Charleston Black student athlete. He was captain and valedictorian of the men’s basketball team. He was inducted into the College of Charleston Athletics Hall of Fame in 1994. Harper worked at General Motors for more than 30 years. He served the community for many more as the pastor of Shiloh A.M.E. church in North Charleston.
Otto German ‘73 was a standout four-year letter winner in basketball. He worked at the College for more than 45 years in many capacities, including most recently as the College’s NCAA Compliance Officer and Associate Director of Athletics. German was a founding member of the College’s Black Alumni Council and served as its president until 2020. German was awarded the Eddie Ganaway Distinguished Alumni Award in 2009. Most recently, he was honored with the 2020 College of Charleston Alumni Award of Honor, the highest award granted by the Alumni Association.