In recent years, Roanoke College has been striving to recognize and acknowledge the history of slavery that the college was built on. This has become an increasingly popular topic on campus, as ground has broken on “Authors and Architects”, the memorial to the enslaved.
Across from Fintel Library, a platform has been built to begin this process, before the memorial is unveiled April 4th during Alumni Weekend.
The memorial was designed by Sandy Williams IV, a Virginia-based artist, and features bronze books modeled after ones from Roanoke College’s first library.
With the creation of the Center for Studying Structures of Race (CSSR) at Roanoke College in 2019, students and faculty have worked on a genealogical database that visualizes the history of slavery in Roanoke and the surrounding areas. Using information from this database, the bronze books will bear the names of the enslaved individuals who built this college, according to the Roanoke College website.
This memorial has been under way for years, as the original concept was discussed in 2021 when Roanoke College held a forum with Creative Time, a public arts nonprofit.
However, many students have noticed negative reactions surrounding the memorial since the design was announced in September of 2024.
“Students have taken a demeaning tone towards the memorial, referring to it as the ‘slave cube’”, said Harper Shattuck, a member of the Historical Society. Shattuck suggests that students are expressing their frustration with the memorial because their needs are being ignored by the school. She believes that there is a misconception that this memorial was funded by the school, when in reality it was funded by an alumni. Students may believe the memorial is being placed as a priority over the numerous issues students face if they are not aware of this information.
Regardless, this misconception does not act as an excuse for offensive commentary. “This isn’t a slave cube, this is a step towards progress,” Shattuck continues, “…There is not enough space in this institution for ignorance disguised as a joke”.
With all recent developments announced by the school, it is important to take into consideration the purpose, design, and future surrounding a project. This is true for the Crawford Hall renovation, the Shaun McConnon Discovery Center, the “Authors and Architects” memorial, and any projects the college undertakes. Understanding more about the advancements at Roanoke College will help clear ignorant assumptions, and move Maroons to a more unified and positive college experience.
Kara Hopkins
Staff Reporter
