Dave, born into slavery, lived for the first three-quarters of the 19th century in the Edgefield District of South Carolina. Thirsty for knowledge, he dared to challenge anti-slave-literacy laws by learning to read and write. He left an indelible record of his life and times in a series of original poems inscribed on his pots. This is the moment to celebrate him, for David Drake, as he was known after Freedom came, has just been inducted into the South Carolina Hall of Fame!
The celebration begins in Aiken at 6:00 pm on Friday, July 8 at the Aiken County Historical Museum, 433 Newberry St. SW. At the opening reception, experts on Southern Folk Pottery will exhibit examples from their collections and discuss them with attendees. Author Lucinda Clark will offer a program of local children reading poems inspired by Dave’s writings. Filmmaker George Wingard will present the prize-winning documentary film “Discovering Dave.” Refreshments will be served.
On Saturday, July 9, the celebration moves to Edgefield’s historic Courthouse Square. Festivities will begin at 11:00 am with live bluegrass music. Area artisans, including award-winning woodcarver Ike Carpenter, will demonstrate their skills. Master potter Justin Guy will recount the story of Edgefield Pottery in his newly opened studio, The Phoenix Factory. A blacksmith, painters, and other artists will exhibit their work.