Art exhibit helps commemorate Black History Month

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An art exhibit focusing on the effect of slavery on black children will be on display at the Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College through March 10. The exhibit of portraits by local artist Mary Burkett helps commemorate Black History Month and was highlighted Wednesday as alumni of Harbison Institute attended a ceremony at MTC’s Harbison campus.

The campus was the site of Harbison Institute, which provided black students educational opportunities from 1911-1958. When the institute closed, its land and buildings were donated to MTC.

“Every February, we celebrate Black History Month on our Harbison campus,” Midlands Tech president Ron Rhames said in a news release. “Midlands Technical College has continued to preserve the Harbison campus for education the past 40 years. This year, it is an honor to host this deeply moving collection of hand-drawn children’s portraits. I hope the community will visit the theatre to view this collection, learn about the impact of slavery on children, and learn more about the great heritage and tradition of our Harbison campus.”

The exhibit, Beloved: Legacy of Slavery, is free.

“The rich history of the Harbison campus creates the perfect backdrop to view Beloved: Legacy of Slavery,” Burkett said. “I hope those who see these forgotten children will start a dialogue regarding what the legacy of slavery is for us today.”

On Wednesday, after the exhibit was unveiled, Harbison Institute alumni rang a bell preserved from 1882 that was part of the institute’s original campus as MTC dedicated a new bell pavilion.

“This is a day to ring the bell, take in this remarkable art exhibit and celebrate this campus that continues to make a difference in the lives of so many,” Rhames said.

The art exhibit is on display in the lobby of the Harbison Theatre, located at 7300 College St. in Irmo.