October 1, 2018
Task Force Report Discussion Forum
The campus community came together to discuss the task force report at an Oct. 1 forum and listening session. Listen to a recording of the forum. Listen to a recording of the forum.
Late July, 2018
AALAC Conference
Furman hosts scholars from other liberal arts colleges to discuss what works, what doesn’t work, and where we go from here. Read the report.
July 28, 2018
Task Force Report Published
Historical findings, perspectives, and recommendations are published for university stakeholders to make actionable. Read the report.
April 4, 2018
The Evidence of Things Not Seen
On the 50th Anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, Dr. Bobby Donaldson (USC) discusses the determined efforts of African Americans to reconstruct longstanding narratives that excluded and silenced black voices. Read his bio.
April 3, 2018
Bill J. Leonard “Inseparable Hermeneutics of Racism”
At the Daniel Chapel, Dr. Leonard reads from Richard Furman and condemns Baptists’ Biblical exegesis, whenever and wherever it prevents the beloved community. Read his speech.
March 19, 2018
Repairing Slavery’s Legacy
In the second Task Force Panel, historian Steve O’Neill and sociologist Claire Whitlinger release their findings to students. Learn about her.
February 28, 2018
Slavery in the Food Supply Chain
Furman’s own Dining Services contractor, Bon Appétit, brings Chief Strategist Maisie Ganzler, who calls for scrutiny on slavery in current food sourcing. Learn about her.
February 27, 2018
Cotton Road Screening
Filmmaker Laura Kissel shows her award-winning documentary of cotton supply chains from the U.S. to China and back again, discussing modern exploitation in the industry. Watch the trailer.
January 31, 2018
Panel Releases First Update
Before faculty, staff, and administration, historian Steve O’Neill and other members of the Task Force release their preliminary findings and recommendation areas.
January 15, 2018
Brutontown Cemetery Cleanup
Furman students use Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a “day on rather than a day off,” to cleanup a cemetery of formerly enslaved in the area of James C. Furman’s Cherrydale. See the cemetery.
November 14, 2017
Rhondda Thomas Tells Clemson’s Story
Dr. Thomas has fought for years to get the history written and recognition, now with substantial success and NEH grants. See her project.
November 7, 2017
James W. Loewen Event
Noted national author initiates a conversation with students about the discomforting history we seek to repair. See his website.
November 1, 2017
Felicia Furman Visits
Felicia Furman shows her documentary and the effects of “seeing no evil” in her family and the university’s past. See her work.
October 19, 2017
Faculty Present Initial Findings
Furman faculty travel to Charlottesville to present initial research findings to scholars from across the nation. See the conference.
July 12, 2017
Seeking Abraham Project Initiated
Task Force votes to initiate student and faculty research looking into the contributions of slaves to university history. See the work.
May 30, 2017
Furman University Task Force for Slavery & Justice Announced
The Task Force goes public. Positive public reaction with over 400 likes and shares on social media. See the press.
May 1, 2017
Furman Joins Universities Studying Slavery
A UVA consortium. One of the first liberal arts colleges to make this move. More follow our lead during the summer before the Charlottesville riots. See the List.
November 9, 2016
Provost Announces to Senior Administrative Team
Alongside Dr. Brandon Inabinet (’04, Communication Studies), Provost George Shields brings the idea of the Task Force to other university leaders and gains approval.
October 26, 2016
Student Interest Initiates Conversation
Furman student and Opinions Editor for The Paladin student newspaper, Marian Baker, publishes an exposé centered on a campus plaque. Read the editorial.