WACO, Texas — A Ceremonial Groundbreaking was held for the Memorial to Enslaved Persons at Founders Mall at Baylor University on Friday, Feb. 23.
The Memorial will recognize the men and women who were instrumental in building Baylor’s original campus in Independence, Texas, which includes those who were enslaved.
The Commission for Historic Representation recommended building this memorial to recognize the history of past university leaders who were slave owners.
"Chattel slavery was deeply woven into the culture and economic fabric of the state of Texas...while we build this memorial we will also add context around the existing Judge Baylor statue that will connect his story to this memorial," President of Baylor Linda Livingstone said.
Limestone from the original university will be used in the memorial. as it was most likely built by enslaved people.
For current and past students, this memorial stands for a future that recognizes the past.
"Going to a university in the south that is able to recognize their history and see the fuller picture...I truly think our community is healing every single day," Recent Baylor graduate K.J. Burkley said.
This is only a groundbreaking. The official dedication and ribbon cutting for this memorial will be made next summer.
The Ceremonial Groundbreaking: Turning of Dirt participants included Board of Regents Chair William E. Mearse, President Livingstone, Regent and Commission Co-Chair Alicia D. H. Monroe, M.D., Regent and Commission Member Michael Mcfarland and Commission Member Rev. Dr. Malcolm Foley.
"It's really encouraging to me to think about a university in 1960 that did not admit Black students...to then have a memorial like this in the center of campus...it's an inspiring message," Foley said.
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