By Travis Jacque Rose
The achievements and contributions of Black athletes from D.W. Daniel High School over the past 50 years are celebrated in the new exhibit “Sincerely Daniel” at Clemson’s African American Museum.
The opening is at 6 p.m. Thursday, February 27, at 214 Butler St. in Clemson.
The exhibition is scheduled to be on display for one year.
Jaquial Durham, a Clemson graduate student, and his childhood friend and former teammate D’Andrew Keasler-Bruce are among the exhibit’s curators.
Together, they have compiled the stories, memorabilia, newspaper clippings, and yearbooks through Durham’s non-profit organization, @fortheloveofcommunity.
A special section is dedicated to DeAndre Hopkins, one of the most celebrated alumni, highlighting his journey from high school to the NFL. Hopkins is a wide receiver with the Kansas City Chiefs.
The exhibit also features newspaper clippings from old high school games, providing a nostalgic glimpse into the past achievements of D.W. Daniel’s sports teams.
“The ‘Sincerely Daniel’ exhibit is a powerfully immersive experience that I encourage everyone to visit,” Clemson Mayor Robert Halfacre said.
“This exhibit not only honors the incredible determination and excellence of the featured athletes,” Halfacre said, “but also showcases the dedication and passion of the creators who have poured their hearts into making something spectacular for us all to enjoy.”
“The City is beyond proud to showcase these local legends and their inspirational stories,” Halfacre said.
Here is what you should know about the Sincerely Daniel exhibit at the Clemson Area African American Museum.
Clemson Area African American Museum: Sincerely Daniel exhibit
A special section of the exhibit is dedicated to Hopkins, celebrating his journey from D.W. Daniel High School to his achievements in the Super Bowl.
Durham shared his connection to the athlete, saying, “I played football with DeAndre. We were a couple of lockers down from one another in the locker room, and we roomed with one another at summer 7-on-7 football camps in high school.
“Hopkins had a profound influence on those around him,” Durham said.
“Through my experiences seeing DeAndre go to Clemson, it became clear to me that college was attainable,” Durham said. “His success inspired many of us to believe we could attend a large higher education institution like Clemson and believe in our potential.”
The exhibit also includes a section dedicated to Javis Austin, South Carolina’s top high school running back in 1997.
In his senior season at D.W. Daniel High School, Austin rushed for an impressive 2,389 yards and scored 32 touchdowns.
His athletic accomplishments are celebrated through photos and memorabilia, highlighting his impact on the school’s sports legacy.
“His career and journey have left a lasting impact on the community,” Durham said, “making his inclusion in the exhibit even more meaningful.”
The exhibit also features C.J. Davidson, a distinguished track, field, and football athlete from D.W. Daniel High School.
“Davidson was my teammate and is one of my best friends,” Durham said.
“The Davidson Family inspired me and exposed me to options that could be next for me,” he said.
According to the Clemson University Athletic Department, Davidson started as a walk-on for the football team, playing as a running back and contributing on special teams.
While at Clemson University, Davidson made notable contributions with 468 yards on 122 carries and seven touchdowns.
He also showcased his versatility with 14 receptions for 100 yards and three kickoff returns for 39 yards in 342 snaps over 36 games, including one start.
“I started working on the exhibit in February 2023, inspired by a class assignment that was about Clemson native and former Clemson running back Javis Austin, and my dissertation title is #BlackClemson’s Neo Griot, which the exhibition is a prime example of what I call a Neo Griot,” Durham said.
“As a result of gathering memorabilia and documenting their histories, I was able to reconnect with many people from my past, such as high school friends, athletes’ parents, school principals, athletic directors, coaches, teachers, and community members,” Durham said.
“These conversations made the story so beautiful because it wasn’t just a research project it was a heartfelt narrative about people I genuinely knew,” he said. “Each person I spoke with is a living piece of history in our town, and their stories have enriched the fabric of our community.”
“They are not just figures from the past; they continue to shape our shared legacy,” Durham said.
Phase two of the Sincerely Daniel exhibit
In the next phase of the exhibit, Durham said he wants to create an immersive experience that honors the achievements of D.W. Daniel High School’s black athletes over the years.
He said he wants visitors to engage deeply with these athletes’ stories and create a platform for tangible experiences centered on education, health, mental wellness, entrepreneurship, and college readiness.
The plan is to have returning athletes lead these initiatives throughout the year.
Durham said phase two is not confirmed; however, it is a vision of his and co-creator D’Andrew Keasler-Bruce.
Cheerleading Clinic
Durham said one initiative is a cheerleading clinic for young children (ages 4–7) led by professional cheerleader Kryiste Addison.
He explained that Addison’s father and grandfather were among the first African American professors at Clemson University.
College preparation day
Durham said another initiative is utilizing their third Thursday. It is “our designated free day to support parents of high school student-athletes with college preparation, including FAFSA guidance and an academic readiness workshop,” he said.
Community mentors
Additionally, Durham said he wants to bring back athletes to serve as mentors, lead speaking engagements, and facilitate workshops on entrepreneurship and other key areas.
Jaquial Durham, who identifies himself as a Neo Griot and community organizer, is committed to preserving and highlighting the achievements of the African American community.
Curator: Jaquial Durham
As the CEO of Public Culture Entertainment @thepubliculture and founder of For The Love of Community, Inc. @fortheloveofcommunity, Durham has dedicated himself to creating platforms that celebrate cultural heritage and foster community engagement.
His work on the “Sincerely Daniel” exhibit showcases his passion for storytelling and dedication to honoring the legacy of Black athletes at his alma mater.
#BlackClemson: Sports, family, football
Durham explained that sports and football were a way of life growing up in Clemson, particularly in the African American community.
“My parents were both fast athletes who came from athletic families,” Durham said. “They ran track together at the YMCA, and my mother found out she was pregnant with me after running the 100m race.
“Their love for sports has always been a part of my life,” he said, “and it’s an honor to continue celebrating this legacy through the exhibit.”
As he reminisced about his childhood, Durham recalled being the ballboy on Friday nights for the Daniel High School football team.
He explained that this was during Coach Allen Sitterle’s days.
“I remember sitting next to Chris McIntosh on the offensive bus during away games,” Durham said, mentioning that he attended Daniel’s football games with his grandmother, little brother, and cousins.
Durham said the excitement that filled the fall air on game days was amazing.
“Those experiences fueled my passion for sports and storytelling, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to celebrate those memories and the athletes who inspired me,” he said.
“Even for the Clemson football games on Saturday night, I would dash to my room or the front porch, eager to witness the fireworks and hear the cannon go off with every touchdown,” Durham said.