Groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for memorial construction at Virginia Theological Seminary, recognizing the contributions of enslaved workers.
In the heart of Alexandria, a significant milestone is approaching as a memorial for the slave laborers who built Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) in the early 19th century will be constructed next month. The memorial, designed by the mother-daughter duo, Martha Jackson-Jarvis and Njena Surae Jarvis of Jackson-Jarvis Studio, will serve as a site of remembrance, contemplation, and healing for the surrounding community.
Martha Jackson-Jarvis and Njena Surae Jarvis, both natives of D.C., have been working tirelessly on the memorial's design. The construction of the memorial recognizes the invaluable contribution of Black slave laborers in the building of VTS.
The selected site for the memorial is Trotter Bowl along Quaker Lane. The groundbreaking ceremony for this historic project will take place on Sept. 6 at 12:30 p.m., with the exact details yet to be specified.
Prior to the groundbreaking ceremony, VTS will host a free gala on Sept. 5 at 6 p.m. at Coffield Refectory, located at 3720 Bishop Walker Circle. This event will celebrate the descendants of the slave laborers with dinner, dancing, and a display of genealogical research.
It's important to note that for the last five years, the VTS Reparations Program has awarded millions to the direct descendants of those workers. This program, which has been instrumental in providing restitution, will continue to play a crucial role in acknowledging and addressing the historical injustices that have been perpetuated.
While the design of the memorial has yet to be released, it is anticipated that it will serve as a powerful testament to the resilience and spirit of those who labored to build VTS. As the memorial takes shape, it will stand as a symbol of remembrance, honour, and healing for all who visit.
Stay tuned for more updates on this significant project as it unfolds.
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