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Furman addresses connection to slave owners


Last updated June 17, 2017

By Tina Underwood

Furman University is among many universities embarking on a quest to understand historical ties to slavery. In an article appearing in the Greenville Journal, Cindy Landrum starts at the beginning – with Furman namesakes, Richard Furman, defender of slavery, and his son, James C. Furman, a slave owner and stalwart secessionist. Her piece was prompted by Furman’s work toward transparency in its history, specifically the university’s connection to the enslaved, which is being undertaken by the newly commissioned Task Force on Slavery and Justice.

Landrum reached out to George Shields, vice president of Academic Affairs and provost, who said, “The Furman community has a deep respect for its founders and we are looking for proactive ways to connect their legacies with our vision for the future, which is to prepare students for lives of purpose, fulfillment, and community impact in a diverse and global world.”

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