Samford University unveiled a Racial Reconciliation Memorial, at a dedication ceremony on campus February 15. The 8-foot tall obelisk is made of stainless steel and sits within a circular garden facing Samford’s Divinity Hall. Various etchings on the memorial pertain to justice and the plight of slavery. In particular, Harry, a 23-year-old enslaved man, is the namesake for the memorial. Notably, the enslaved Harry sustained fatal injuries while saving students from a fire that consumed Howard University. He later died in the blaze. Harry has an obelisk in the Marion Cemetery, marking his grave, the only enslaved man amongst the white families buried in that section of the cemetery. The University is responsible for placing the obelisk on Harry’s grave in 1857. Samford has also memorialized Harry along their Centennial Walk, as well as with an etching of a young African American man along the university’s ceremonial mace to represent the enslaved man. Over 20 years ago the university’s Student Government Association also named the coffee house venue in the Ralph Beeson University Center in Harry’s honor.
