FMU hosts Hewn Timber Cabins presentation

Francis Marion University hosted a lecture titled “A Plantation Economy and African Americans at Mars Bluff: A Brief Historical Perspective” on Thursday at Chapman Auditorium.

Presented by FMU professor emerita Yvette Hammonds Pierce, the lecture covers her research on the history of the cabins and the lives of those who lived in them.

The historic Hewn Timber Cabins on FMU’s main campus date to the mid-19th century and were the living quarters for slaves, and later, for sharecroppers. They are a part of the legacy of the land, and part of the region’s historical heritage as well. The cabins are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“The Hewn Timber Cabins on FMU’s campus, homes for those who were previously enslaved, have been a concern for many over the years,” said Linda Sullen, former President of the FMU African American because in a world full of serious risks, it is important that we be able to face danger with composure. That does not mean ignoring risks but instead knowing when a risk is worth taking.

Like many fans, I am glad the NFL is doing more to protect players from injury, especially head trauma. I don’t like to see players get injured. That is not why I watch the game. I watch it to see Justin Jefferson make a diving one-handed catch or Micah Parsons chase a running back down from behind, and I think: “Wow; I can’t believe that is even possible.”

To be able to do something, even for a brief period of one’s life, that stretches the bounds of human possibility is meaningful. It is something that can make even serious risks worth taking.

My wife is right. I’m too old to be playing basketball the way I used to play it. I don’t drive the lane or crash the boards much anymore. I just limp up and down the court wishing I still had the ability to play more aggressively.

When I go to my annual physical and the doctor asks me whether I have fallen recently, I can truthfully say, “Not too much, but I’m still trying.” I’m not worried about the dangers of falling nearly so much as the dan-

Faculty and Staff Coalition. “Yvette’s research should broaden our understanding of the cabins’ relationship to the Mars Bluff community ger of no longer attempting things that might make me fall. and the university.”

Richard Kyte is director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wis., and co-host of “The Ethical Life” podcast.

Hammonds Pierce worked at FMU as a reference librarian and associate professor before retiring in

SLOAN FROM PAGE 4 the air and landing with a thud and a cloud of dust. Did I worry if I was hurt? Did I check to see if I was bleeding? No and no. I was up off the ground and running for the fence quicker than you can say John Wayne.

People have told me the flip I did off the back of the

2007. During her time with the university, she was actively involved in many campus organizations. Her involvement extended to the

Florence community in the form of volunteering, leading, serving on several boards, and working with the educational system.

“Yvette served this university well as a member of the faculty and as a reference librarian,” said FMU President Fred Carter. “Her research on the cabins is thorough, deliberate, and thoughtful. We are deeply appreciative of her willingness to share it with us.”

Hammonds Pierce received a bachelor’s degree in English from Tuskegee Institute and a master’s degree in Library Science from the University of Michigan.

“As a founding member of the FMU African American Faculty and Staff Coalition, I believe that Yvette Hammonds Pierce, a former FMU librarian with over thirty years of experience, has been a huge asset to this mission,” said Sullen. “I hope that the presentation by Yvette will offer a deeper understanding and appreciation of the lives and history of the people who contributed much to the development, growth, and prosperity of this area.” bull was rather impressive. I’ll have to take their word for it.

The ride lasted 1.8 seconds. That’s it. If you’re laughing, remember that’s 1.8 seconds longer than you’ve ever ridden a bulland I did raise close to $700 for the Special Olympics.

There is a framed picture of me riding Mickey Mouse hanging on the wall in my home office. My black cowboy hat is pulled on tight. I have one hand in a tight grip around the bull rope and the other flailing high in the air. I actually look like a real cowboy.

I’m indebted to photographer Steve Humbert for being quick enough to capture my big moment for posterity. That’s 1.8 seconds I’ll certainly hang on to forever.

Contact Editor Bob Sloan at editor@florencenewjournal.com.