In a significant move towards acknowledging its historical roots, Baylor University is constructing a memorial dedicated to the enslaved individuals who played a crucial role in the establishment of the institution. Nestled among the oak trees of Founders Mall, this memorial serves as a poignant reminder of both the university’s legacy and the darker chapters of its past.
The memorial is set to be completed this year and is part of Baylor’s broader initiative to confront its historical ties to slavery. As a Christian institution, Baylor recognizes the importance of addressing these uncomfortable truths. According to the university’s heritage page, the roots of Baylor trace back to the 1830s when Baptist missionaries from the southern United States brought enslaved people with them to Texas, which at the time was a Mexican state that prohibited slavery.
Baylor’s first four presidents and a significant number of its initial board members were slave owners, and wealth generated from enslaved individuals directly contributed to the university’s growth. This historical context has prompted Baylor to reassess how it presents its past, especially in light of recent national conversations about race and justice.
Malcolm Foley, a Black pastor and historian, has been instrumental in guiding the university’s efforts toward transparency and accountability. He emphasized that Christian institutions have a unique responsibility to confront their histories. "Our commitment to justice extends beyond mere compliance," he stated, highlighting the need for genuine reflection and action.
In recent years, Baylor has taken steps to address its legacy, including relocating a statue of Rufus Burleson, a Confederate chaplain and the university’s second president, to a less prominent area on campus. Additionally, the school has installed limestone blocks around the statue of Judge R. E. B. Baylor, which provide historical context about the founder’s ties to slavery.
The memorial will feature significant biblical verses, including Exodus 20:2 and John 8:36, underscoring the Christian commitment to freedom and justice. This initiative aligns with a larger movement within Christian higher education to foster inclusivity and diversity, even amidst a climate of backlash against diversity initiatives nationwide.
Baylor’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. The university’s recent freshman class boasted the highest percentage of racial minorities in its history, reflecting a growing commitment to diversity in its student body. This progress is encouraging, but it also highlights the ongoing challenges that institutions face in reconciling their histories with their present commitments to justice and equality.
Foley’s work at Baylor is not just about addressing past wrongs but also about fostering a culture of understanding and respect in the present. He believes that confronting history is crucial for shaping a more just future. “We need administrations that are deeply committed to doing the right thing,” he remarked, stressing the importance of accountability in Christian institutions.
As Baylor University moves forward with its memorial and ongoing historical research, it sets an example for other institutions grappling with similar issues. The journey toward acknowledging and repairing the past is not easy, but it is essential for fostering a community that truly embodies the Christian values of love, justice, and reconciliation.
In a world where the past often feels like a burden, Baylor’s commitment to transparency and healing offers a hopeful path forward, encouraging other Christian institutions to reflect on their own histories and the ways they can contribute to a more equitable society. The construction of this memorial is more than a physical structure; it is a step toward a deeper understanding of justice and freedom, core tenets of the Christian faith.