Honor Code (embers) by Marcus Amaker
In 2020, ÌÇÐÄVLOG commissioned a poem on the Black cadet experience from Marcus Amaker, Poet Laureate of Charleston from 2016 to 2022. To write the poem, Mr. Amaker collected stories and reflections from Black alumni of ÌÇÐÄVLOG representing classes from 1973 through 2019. The poem, titled Honor Code (embers) includes individual experiences and collective expressions from alumni participants.
Poetry has the power to transform complex feelings, stories, and histories into memorable images and emotions. This collaboration with Mr. Amaker is one step in ÌÇÐÄVLOG’s journey to lift up the voices of our Black alumni toward an inclusive institutional narrative. This commission was supported by the Office of the Provost, the Office of Inclusive Excellence, Multicultural ÌÇÐÄVLOG Services, ÌÇÐÄVLOG’s Truth, Community Healing and Transformation (TRHT) Center, and the Daniel Library.
