Untold Narratives: Discrimination, Self-Determination, and Change at the University of Richmond

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Twice in University of Richmond history, human remains have been uncovered near this location. According to a number of historical sources, both discoveries revealed portions of the burial ground for individuals enslaved by Benjamin “B.W.” Green between 1843 and 1865: men, women, and children who labored here, whose numbers exceeded 130 in 1860. Their stories are partially illuminated by archival evidence: trial records, newspaper items, the Federal Census Slave Schedule of 1850 and 1860, and the sale record for a woman named Anaca.

2. “In this state of things”: Robert Ryland, Henry Brown, Sam, and Others Unnamed

As a white man who led a congregation of enslaved and free African Americans in pre-Civil War Richmond while enslaving thirteen people, Robert Ryland appears to be a study in contradiction. One of the early fathers of the University of Richmond, Ryland worked to justify and maintain the system of enslavement, from which he and his family benefitted, even as he wrestled with its implications.

3. Robins School of Business: De-centering Whiteness

The Robins School of Business was named after pharmaceutical giant, E. Claiborne Robins, who is known for his legacy of the Robins gift of $50 million to the University of Richmond in 1969. However, the legacy of the A.H. Robins Company and its disastrous Dalkon Shield, a faulty intrauterine birth control device that injured hundreds of thousands of women, is often overlooked due to Robins' philanthropy. This is only one part of the history of the Robins School that is often untold. In 1979, Dr. Ray Slaughter became the first Black professor in the Robins School of Business, making important and lasting contributions to the University community.

4. Robins Stadium: A Site of Memory

This stop examines the Robins Stadium at the University of Richmond as a site of memory. It seeks to challenge the white dominated space by bringing to light stories of race and racism and highlighting the experiences of Black student athletes. It introduces topics like the unofficial anthem of the Confederacy, "Dixie," and the important role it played for Black students at the University.

5. Roger Millhiser Memorial Gymnasium and the Story of Esau Brooks

Roger Millhiser is considered a distinguished student at the University of Richmond. Following his death, his parents made a large donation to the University, which led to the construction of Roger Millhiser Memorial Gymnasium. The gymnasium became home to UR's athletic teams and the work place of the first Black athletic trainer, Esau Brooks. Brooks was known to be a committed staff member, however his voice rarely surfaces in the historical record.

6. Carole Weinstein International Center: Gabara Courtyard

The Carole Weinstein International Center's Gabara Courtyard is a University of Richmond student favorite. Located in the middle of the International Center, the beautiful architecture of the courtyard often draws prospective students, businessmen, and students searching for a break from the library with its wide open spaces, beautiful views, and colorful decorations. This site is a representation of the work Dr. Uliana Gabara, founding Dean of International Education and an advocate for diversity and inclusion on the University of Richmond's campus.

7. Freeman Hall: Self-Determination in the Face of a Lost Cause Legacy

Freeman Hall was named after Douglas Southall Freeman, a Richmond College alum, trustee, and donor. Freeman was also a historian of the American Civil War and Pulitzer Prize-winning author who amplified Lost Cause ideology. Although Freeman is a symbol of paternalistic white supremacy, the University has chosen to associate several events and awards with his name to this day, such as the Douglas Southall Freeman Lecture Series/Symposium and the University Mace. Freeman Hall was also the home of the first Black residential student, Barry Greene, who came to campus in the fall of 1968 and lived in Freeman Hall for all four years of his UR education.

8. Jenkins Greek Theatre and North Court: Race, Racism, and Performance

The Jenkins Greek Theatre and North Court have been home to performances that emphasize whiteness and traditional Eurocentric ideas of feminine beauty. Despite the existence of these racist and sexist performances, these sites also offer insight into the stories of several of the first African American women students at the University of Richmond.

9. Keller Hall, Richmond’s Minstrel History & Modlin’s Legacy

Keller Hall, named after May Lansfield Keller, Westhampton College's first dean, was built in 1937. In the years following both the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement, minstrel shows, often performed in Keller Hall, were a gesture to the past amidst a changing present. The Modlin Center for the Arts, built in 1992 and named after University of Richmond President George M. Modlin, is a site that reminds us of the University's resistance to desegregation during the Civil Rights Movement.

10. The Pauley Auditorium in the Gottwald Science Center

Built in the 1970s and improved with renovations throughout history, Gottwald Science Center has become a beacon of scientific discovery and progress on the University of Richmond’s Campus. The impressive building houses the chemistry, physics, and biology classrooms and labs on campus, laden with state of the art scientific technology. Before it was built, sciences at Richmond moved from building to building prior to finding a home in the large glass and brick building named for Floyd Gottwald. However, when one considers Gottwald and the sciences at University of Richmond, they cannot do so without also looking at the dark history of eugenics studies that once had a place within Richmond’s science program.

11. Tyler Haynes Commons: Diversity/Inclusivity Resources

Tyler Haynes Commons opened in September 1976. Today, it serves as one of the busiest places on campus. Not only does it have a wide variety of important campus resources, it also is home to the bookstore and several dining options. There have been necessary renovations throughout the years as students wanted a place to meet and socialize, as well as an alternative to Greek life. Tyler Haynes Commons is a space seeking to actively engage students and create a sense of belonging.

12. Boatwright Library: Studying Racism and Diversity

In 1955, the Frederic William Boatwright Memorial Library was opened to the University of Richmond. This new library was intended to be the main space for students to gather to study and further explore their academics through a vast array of books and other resources. However, this building was not always a place supportive of inclusivity and diversity.

This Tour is a Walking Tour.

Untold Narratives: Discrimination, Self-Determination, and Change at the University of Richmond

Created by Nicole Maurantonio on December 10th 2018, 3:02:09 pm.

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Description

Created in Fall 2018 by the students in “Digital Memory & the Archive,” Dr. Nicole Maurantonio’s American Studies and Rhetoric & Communication Studies seminar, this tour shares research conducted by students within our class and who have been working for the past several years on the University’s Race & Racism Project. While we believe it is important to share completed research, we also seek to provide a sense of the work that still needs to be done. The stories you will encounter on this tour attempt to complicate a neat, linear path of the University of Richmond’s progress. They are stories of discrimination, self-determination, and change. You will likely hear some familiar names. Others will be less familiar. We look forward to receiving your feedback.

Entries on This Tour

Untold Narratives: Discrimination, Self-Determination, and Change at the University of Richmond

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