East Marshall Street Well Update: Presentation and Recommendations
Earlier this week I received recommendations from the Family Representative Council on how to properly memorialize and inter the remains of individuals found in an abandoned well on East Marshall Street in 1994.
The remains of people, largely of African and African American descent, would have been lost to time had construction of the Hermes A. Kontos Medical Sciences building not taken place. What happened to bodies of human beings taken for medical education in the 1800s was wrong and there has been a long road to making it right. It was a tragedy then and remains so today.
It is our responsibility to remain dedicated to progress and doing right by others. That is how we can acknowledge and honor the experiences of those who lived during a time when they were seen as less than. It is a reminder that today we still need to be a voice for those who are unheard.
I am thankful for the work done by the Family Representative Council. They gave voice to human beings who did not receive respect during their lifetime and after their passing. The work done by the Council is highly emotional, but their thoughtfulness and compassion has not faltered.
As a member of the community, I would like to invite you to participate in and learn more about the recommendations made by the Family Representative Council. On Thursday, Dec. 13 at 6 pm, you are invited to the Hermes A. Kontos Medical Sciences Building auditorium to view a presentation on the recommendations and to submit nominations for service on one of the three implementation steering committees for research, memorialization and interment. If you are unable to attend, nominations can be submitted online.
More information on the East Marshall Street Well project can be found here and on social media.
Categories Community, News, Periodic update, To VCU