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.<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/a><\/p>\n Historical findings, perspectives, and recommendations are published for university stakeholders to make actionable. Read the report.<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/a><\/p>\n In the second Task Force Panel, historian Steve O’Neill and sociologist Claire Whitlinger release their findings to students. Learn about her.<\/a><\/p>\n Furman’s own Dining Services contractor, Bon App\u00e9tit, brings Chief Strategist Maisie Ganzler, who calls for scrutiny on slavery in current food sourcing. Learn about her.<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/a><\/p>\n Before faculty, staff, and administration, historian Steve O’Neill and other members of the Task Force release their preliminary findings and recommendation areas.<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0See the cemetery.<\/a><\/p>\n Dr. Thomas has fought for years to get the history written and recognition, now with substantial success and NEH grants. See her project.<\/a><\/p>\n Noted national author initiates a conversation with students about the discomforting history we seek to repair. See his website.<\/a><\/p>\n Felicia Furman shows her documentary and the effects of “seeing no evil” in her family and the university’s past. See her work.<\/a><\/p>\n Furman faculty travel to Charlottesville to present initial research findings to scholars from across the nation. See the conference.<\/a><\/p>\n Task Force votes to initiate student and faculty research looking into the contributions of slaves to university history. See the work.<\/a><\/p>\n The Task Force goes public. Positive public reaction with over 400 likes and shares on social media. See the press.<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/a><\/p>\n Alongside Dr. Brandon Inabinet (’04, Communication Studies), Provost George Shields brings the idea of the Task Force to other university leaders and gains\u00a0approval.<\/p>\nLate July, 2018<\/h2>\n
AALAC Conference<\/h3>\n
July 28, 2018<\/h2>\n
Task Force Report Published<\/h3>\n
April 4, 2018<\/h2>\n
The Evidence of Things Not Seen<\/h3>\n
April 3, 2018<\/h2>\n
Bill J. Leonard “Inseparable Hermeneutics of Racism”<\/h3>\n
March 19, 2018<\/h2>\n
Repairing Slavery’s Legacy<\/h3>\n
February 28, 2018<\/h2>\n
Slavery in the Food Supply Chain<\/h3>\n
February 27, 2018<\/h2>\n
Cotton Road Screening<\/h3>\n
January 31, 2018<\/h2>\n
Panel Releases First Update<\/h3>\n
January 15, 2018<\/h2>\n
Brutontown Cemetery Cleanup<\/h3>\n
November 14, 2017<\/h2>\n
Rhondda Thomas Tells Clemson’s Story<\/h3>\n
November 7, 2017<\/h2>\n
James W. Loewen Event<\/h3>\n
November 1, 2017<\/h2>\n
Felicia Furman Visits<\/h3>\n
October 19, 2017<\/h2>\n
Faculty Present Initial Findings<\/h3>\n
July 12, 2017<\/h2>\n
Seeking Abraham Project Initiated<\/h3>\n
May 30, 2017<\/h2>\n
Furman University Task Force for Slavery & Justice Announced<\/h3>\n
May 1, 2017<\/h2>\n
Furman Joins Universities Studying Slavery<\/h3>\n
November 9, 2016<\/h2>\n
Provost Announces to Senior Administrative Team<\/h3>\n
October 26, 2016<\/h2>\n
Student Interest Initiates Conversation<\/h3>\n