Wake Forest addresses its antebellum history

In a message to the Wake Forest University community, President Nathan O. Hatch announced steps the University is taking to address its antebellum history and affirm the humanity of all individuals.

Wake Forest will rename Wingate Hall to “May 7, 1860 Hall.” May 7, 1860, is the date Wake Forest sold at auction 16 human beings that a slave-owning benefactor bequeathed to the institution through his estate. By renaming this building, the University acknowledges participation in slavery, recognizes this aspect of its history and remembers those who labored at the institution against their will.

The University will also launch a process to establish a memorial affirming the humanity and dignity of those previously not remembered or honored in Wake Forest’s antebellum history.

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