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

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

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

Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 – 6 p.m. School of Education Alumni Center, 86 Wentworth St.

Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026 – 6 p.m. Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture, 125 Bull St.

Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026 – 10 a.m. The Coming Street Commemorative Gathering, 106 Coming St.

Invitation to The Coming Street Commemorative Gathering on Oct. 24, 2026 at 10 a.m. at 106 Coming St.

Thursday, Dec. 3, 2026 – 6 p.m. School of Education Alumni Center, 86 Wentworth St.