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UGA Dedicates Baldwin Hall Memorial

The University of Georgia held a ceremony at Baldwin Hall this morning to dedicate a memorial in tribute to the presumed slaves and former slaves who were buried there. In addition to President Jere Morehead, members of the Baldwin Memorial Advisory Task Force spoke, including Michelle Cook, UGA Vice Provost for Diversity and Inclusion and U. S. District  Judge Steve Jones.

"Every aspect of its designis intentional, thought out to the last detail,” according to Jones.

Jones said he thought the task force got it right.

“You know what, I think we did.”

That sentiment was not shared by a group of protestors who showed up for the event with signs. Zariah Hampton was among those voicing their opinions during the ceremony.

Protestors at Baldwin Hall Memorial

“And we were hoping that once they decided they were going to do this memorial that the university administration would finally say these are slaves, and they still haven’t."

Michelle Cook says it was vital to honor the memory of those discovered at the site.

“It was really important for us to take some time and to stop and to reflect and give proper respect to the individuals who were interred on these grounds,” according to Cook. “We of course had the reinternment ceremony in the spring, but this was an opportunity for us to build and to dedicate a permanent place on campus.”

Baldwin Hall Memorial

Cook’s family donated the granite for the memorial.

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