“Say Their Name” Museum opens at University of Alabama

TUSCALOOSA, AL (WBRC) - The names of slaves who initially built the University of Alabama campus nearly 200 years ago went on display Monday at the Intercultural Diversity Center.

Students are able to see around 100 names of the people enslaved on the Capstone at the “Say Their Name” museum.

From the first slave named Ben in 1820 all the way through 1863, it’s a chilling reminder of our nation’s history for students to see during Black History Month.

Educators hope the exhibit will make it more personal for them.

“It’s been very interesting because often times we talk about the enslavement of men and women as this big group and monolithic group. By saying their names, it’s like wait - they were human. They were individuals. They had personalities,” said UA Associate History Professor Dr. Hilary Green.

“It’s so powerful, especially being a black person on campus not knowing these names and actually learning more about my ancestors and my history,” said student Catera Pettway.