“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)

“VERITAS” – Harvard’s motto “Truth” inscribed on gates, doorways, and sculptures all over campus

Join UniteBoston’s Sankofa cohort for Legacy of Slavery at Harvard University tour, which uncovers the truth of Harvard University’s entanglements with the institution of slavery through a 10-stop tour. The stops on the tour provide an opportunity to learn about a part of Harvard’s history that has long been hidden in plain sight. In addition, the tour elevates stories of Black women and men whose resistance and leadership have shaped the University—and our nation.

The tour will be led by Rev. Rita Powell, director of the Episcopal Chaplaincy at Harvard University. We will take special note of the way Christian congregations and churches have contributed or resisted the institution of slavery, and the repair work that is taking place today. The tour will go from 2:30pm – 4:30pm at the Harvard-Episcopal chaplaincy building, 1A Garden Street, Cambridge MA 02138, and will conclude with a time of refreshments from 4:30 to 5:00pm in the same location.

From Megan Lietz, director of the Race & Christian Community Initiative and Sankofa group member: “Boston is known for its world-class colleges and universities. But many of these institutions were built on the backs of enslaved people. Take the time to better understand how our city’s academic success has been shaped by the institution of slavery through a history of slavery at Harvard tour.”

P.S. If you’re not able to make it on this date and time, the tour can also be experienced online here and there are many other resources regarding Harvard and the Legacy of Slavery

P.P.S. Curious what the tour is like? Dr. Michael James, a previous UniteBoston cohort member, has written a blog sharing his experience in the walking tour about how it nurtured love and a shared humanity.