Campus Topics

 

    I joined Campus Topics with Summer and Carzell to discuss our HBCU experiences and what it means to be a bulldog. Click here to listen to the podcast episode.

Dr. Filani SOT's

     On February 8, 1968, a tragedy occurred that would change South Carolina State University and that would take the lives of Henry Smith, Samuel Hammond, and Delano Middleton. As students were protesting to enter a bowling alley, students were surprised by taking fire from law enforcement which incited chaos and changed history forever. 

    This tragedy is still honored today at South Carolina State, where Dr. Tolulope Filani, a graduate and sculptor from Missouri University, observed the visual representation on campus needed improvement. He decided to honor those whose lives changed forever on that tragic day.

Listen to Dr. Filani here

SOT Tolulope Filani: :12

In: I was walking around...

Out: ... in terms of aesthetics.

SOT Transcription: I was just walking around and I realized how bare the university looked in terms of aesthetics. 

    Inspired by his background and interest in art, Dr. Filani was motivated to create something to spice up the campus look. When he made his decision to make something for the legacy of SHM, he invited people who knew the students to verify them when he was complete. When finished, he knew it was great because someone who knew the students almost cried when she saw the sculptures. 

Here he tells us in his own words.

SOT Tolulope Filani: :19

In: The moment I realized...

Out: ... seeing those individuals again.

Transcribed SOT: The moment I realized that I did something decent was when Ms. Piles visited and she almost cried as if she was seeing those individuals again.

    Dr. Filani has sculptures and works all over the world but I think the SHM sculptures are humbly one of his most prized works. He even admits these sculptures had a bigger meaning behind them than him and is happy to say it. 

Humble words from Dr. Filani.

SOT Tolulope Filani: :19

In: To be honest, you feel...

Out: ... project the contribution from these individuals.

Transcribed SOT: To be honest, you feel more than anything it's not always about me as a person. I just see myself as a tool to further project the contribution of these individuals.

5 Question Interview

    The tough questions are the best. I sat down with Carzell Burnell and asked him some controversial basketball questions and here's what he had to say.

Click here to listen