Honor Code (embers) by Marcus Amaker
In 2020, The Citadel 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 The Citadel 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 The Citadel’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 Student Services, The Citadel’s Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation (TRHT) Center, and the Daniel Library.
