
About the CEC
The College of Charleston has formed a Community Engagement Council (CEC) for the project at 106 Coming Street. The College sought a diverse group of community members to partner with College leaders in guiding the commemoration and development of the historic property. CEC members will have the opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives and provide input; will help shape the commemoration, programs and decisions that honor the history and legacy of the site (including its ties to the former home of the YWCA of Greater Charleston and the municipal cemetery once known as the Potter’s Field); and will build relationships with neighbors, community leaders and partners who care deeply about the project and the cultural significance of the property.
Membership
Liaison
- Dr. Courtney Howard
Facilitators
- Joanna Gilmore
- Clay Middleton
- LaSheia Oubre
Advisors
- Demetria Noisette Clemons
- Judge Arthur McFarland
- Omar Muhammad
Consultants
- Michael Allen
- Dr. Tonya Matthews
Members
- Zoe Barber
- Dr. Millicent Brown
- Walter Brown
- Stephen Vale Cofer-Shabica
- Abigail Dairaghi
- Norm Dickerson
- Jalen Evans
- Dr. Shawn Gathers
- Harlan Greene
- Jeff Harjo
- Jerome Harris
- Lisa Jones
- Madison Lee
- Eric Manning
- Dr. Jim Newhard
- James Njonjo
- Patricia Ploehn
- Sharon Ramirez
- Luqman Rasheed
- Joshua Shumak
Staff
Mark Berry
Paul Patrick
CEC Past Meeting Recaps
Thursday, December 4, 2025 – Meeting minutes
Thursday, January 8, 2026 – Meeting minutes
Thursday, February 5, 2026 – Meeting minutes
Thursday, February 19, 2026 – Meeting canceled
Thursday, March 5, 2026 – Meeting minutes
Thursday, April 2, 2026 – Meeting minutes
Thursday, May 14, 2026 – Meeting minutes
Thursday, June 4, 2026 – Recording of meeting | Meeting minutes
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 – Recording of meeting | Meeting minutes
Thursday, July 9, 2026 – Recording of meeting | Meeting minutes
Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026 – Recording of meeting | Meeting minutes
Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026 – Recording of meeting | Meeting minutes
Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026 – Meeting minutes
Upcoming Meetings & Events
Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026 – 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Coming Street Commemorative Gathering, 106 Coming St. (rain or shine) – Join the Burial Ground Commemoration Task Force for a Celebration of Ancestors Unknown but Not Forgotten. Libation, drumming, singing, dancing, reflections, prayer and repast with selected cuisines of the ancestors. Parking available at the St. Philip Street Garage, 89 St. Philip St., Charleston
Nov. CEC meeting date/location TBD
Dec. CEC meeting: Thursday, Dec. 3, 2026 – 6 p.m. School of Education Alumni Center, 86 Wentworth St.
