The Septima P. Clark Expressway cuts through Charleston. It’s more than just a road. It’s a scar on the city’s landscape. A reminder of a painful past.
The Septima P. Clark Expressway wasn’t always called that. Originally the Crosstown Expressway it was built in 1968. This highway connected US-17 to Interstate 26. It sliced through a predominantly African American neighborhood. Approximately 150 homes and businesses were destroyed. A once-unified community was split in two.
The construction was part of urban renewal efforts. These projects often displaced minority communities. The Crosstown Expressway was no exception. It became a physical and symbolic barrier. Dividing not only neighborhoods but also people.
In 1978 the expressway was renamed to honor Septima P Clark. Clark was an educator and activist. She’s considered a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement. The renaming was a symbolic gesture. It didn’t erase the harm caused by the expressway’s construction. The name change didn’t magically heal the community. It didn’t repair the fractured lives and broken connections.
Even after the renaming many still referred to it as the Crosstown. It wasn’t until 2010 that the name change was fully implemented. New street signs finally reflected the honor given to Septima P Clark. A memorial park was also created. This park sits at the intersection of the expressway and President Street.
The Septima P Clark Expressway remains a complex symbol. It stands as a monument to a vital civil rights figure. Yet it also represents the destructive effects of urban renewal. It’s a reminder of the lasting impact of displacement. It’s a constant presence in the lives of Charleston residents. A stark reminder of a past that can’t be forgotten. It is both a tribute and a challenge. A testament to resilience. And a call to create a more just future.