Memorial Benches Initiative at the University of Virginia

As minority students on grounds, we often feel isolated from the UVA community due to the lack of representation in who the University has chosen to memorialize. This project aimed to build a stronger sense of community at UVA by showcasing a more diverse set of individuals who better represent the UVA community.

This project is centered around creating a physical and lasting representation of BIPOC and female students on grounds with the construction of thirteen memorial benches. We wanted these benches to be a space for students to gather and be inspired by change agents that are a reflection of themselves -- a space where students of all identities and backgrounds feel that they have the potential to achieve the great feats of those memorialized with our benches.

These benches signify that UVA is not merely a product of Thomas Jefferson's vision, or the vision white men who followed in his footsteps. Rather, UVA is, and has been, the product of BIPOC and women individuals who have broken down barriers and accomplished so much for those on grounds, in Charlottesville, and around the world.