Finding the Enslaved Laborers at University of Virginia – Dr. Shelley Viola Murphy

Descendants of Enslaved Communities at UVA

“Finding the Enslaved Laborers at the University of Virginia” refers to the efforts to recognize, research, and honor the lives of enslaved individuals who built and maintained the University of Virginia (UVA). This endeavor includes several components:

Dr. Shelley Viola Murphy, commonly known as “Dr. Shelley,” is a genealogist and family history researcher. She is noted for her expertise in African American genealogy, with a focus on assisting individuals in tracing their ancestral roots and family histories. Dr. Murphy is often involved in various genealogical societies and educational initiatives, where she shares her knowledge through lectures, workshops, and publications. Her work contributes significantly to the field of genealogy, particularly in helping people uncover and understand their family heritage, especially in the context of African American history.

Memorial to Enslaved Laborers:This is a permanent tribute at UVA, acknowledging the enslaved individuals and their families who contributed to the university’s establishment and upkeep. The Memorial is a central element in UVA’s efforts to confront and acknowledge its historical relationship with slavery. It includes a design that honors the lives, labor, and resistance of the 4-5,000 enslaved people who were at UVA between 1817 and 1865, featuring 4,000 memory marks in their honor.
Research and Documentation: Long-term research has been conducted involving faculty, staff, students, and community members. This research focuses on enslaved individuals, free Black laborers, and their families connected to UVA. Various resources have been compiled over the years to assist in genealogical research, and there are efforts to find descendants of UVA’s enslaved laborers.
President’s Commission on Slavery and the University:Established in 2013, this commission provided advice and recommendations on commemorating UVA’s historical relationship with slavery and enslaved people. It played a crucial role in the development and realization of the Memorial to Enslaved Laborers.
Educational and Public Engagement: The university has developed various initiatives and programs related to the Memorial. These include guided tours, educational resources for teachers, and community engagement efforts to ensure the broader understanding of this aspect of UVA’s history.

Overall, these efforts represent a significant step by the University of Virginia in acknowledging and honoring the contributions and sacrifices of enslaved individuals in its history.

William & Mary, The Lemon Project – Dr. Jajuan Johnson

Jajuan Johnson is actively involved as a Postdoctoral Research Associate with The Lemon Project at William & Mary. His work encompasses a range of thematic areas including African American History, African American Theology, U.S. History, Race and Ethnicity, Oral History, Gender, and Sexuality. Dr. Johnson has contributed significantly to the project and its initiatives.

The Lemon Project, which Dr. Johnson is associated with, is a multifaceted and dynamic initiative that aims to rectify wrongs perpetrated against African Americans by William & Mary through the course of its history. This includes acknowledgment of the university’s exploitation of slave labor and its failure to stand against segregation during the Jim Crow Era. The project engages in a variety of activities, including research, public service, and events to promote a deeper understanding of the legacies of slavery and discrimination.

One of the key events associated with The Lemon Project is the annual spring symposium, which focuses on various themes related to African American history and culture. Dr. Johnson has been actively involved in these events, including contributing to discussions and research presentations.

Moreover, Dr. Johnson’s work extends beyond academia into community engagement. He has played a pivotal role in initiatives like the exploration of Black foodways in partnership with the Highland Council of Descendant Advisors and William & Mary’s Institute for Integrative Conservation. This project seeks to understand the historical and cultural impacts of the plantation system on current social, economic, and environmental conditions.

Wake Forest University, Slavery, Race and Memory Project – Renate Yarborough Sanders

Renate Yarborough Sanders’ contributions to genealogy also include her extensive research on the descendants of enslaved persons owned by Wake Forest University (then College). This aspect of her work demonstrates her deep involvement and commitment to uncovering the histories of African-American families, particularly those affected by the institution of slavery.

In her research, Sanders delves into the complex histories of individuals who were enslaved by the institution that would become Wake Forest University. She employs her expertise in DNA analysis, documentary research, and family lore to trace the lineages and stories of these people. This research is not just a pursuit of historical facts but also an effort to honor and recognize the lives of those who were subjected to slavery.

Sanders’ work in this area is multifaceted. She not only investigates historical records and documents but also engages with the descendants of these enslaved individuals, offering insights and assistance in tracing their family histories. This research is crucial in understanding the broader context of slavery in the United States, particularly in educational institutions and their historical connections to slavery.

Her findings and expertise in researching ancestors of color, both before and after Emancipation, have been shared in various presentations and discussions, including events at Wake Forest University. These contributions are particularly significant as they shed light on a part of American history that is often overlooked or under-researched.

Her journey in genealogical research began in 1997, spurred by a personal quest to trace her family history. Sanders has since become a leading figure in the field, known for her insightful research and educational efforts.

Her expertise in genealogy encompasses a wide range of topics, particularly emphasizing the histories of formerly enslaved individuals and their descendants. One of Sanders’ significant contributions is her research on her great-grandfather, Calvin Yarborough, who was enslaved until the age of 25 in Franklin County, North Carolina. This research exemplifies her method of combining DNA analysis with documentary research to trace family lineages, a technique particularly vital in African-American genealogy due to the challenges posed by the legacy of slavery.

In addition to her research and presentations, Sanders is a prolific writer and contributor to the genealogical community. She authors two blogs, “Into the LIGHT” and “Genea-Related,” and has created an online database focusing on African American funeral programs, which provides a unique resource for genealogical research. Her work in this area highlights the importance of funeral programs as historical and genealogical records, especially for African-American families.

Sanders’ involvement extends beyond individual research to active participation in various genealogical organizations and events. She co-hosts the online platform and YouTube show “Let’s Talk North Carolina Genealogy,” contributing significantly to the dissemination of genealogical knowledge. Her work has been recognized on platforms like PBS Radio and National Geographic, underscoring the impact and importance of her contributions to the field of genealogy.

Enslaved at Oakley & Beyond Project – Joseph Roby

Joseph is known for his work on a major research project titled “Enslaved at Oakley & Beyond.” This project aims to trace and give a voice to an enslaved population held in bondage by his Dulany ancestors in Fauquier County, Virginia. Roby’s interest in history and genealogy developed early in life, sparked by his exposure to Ida Dulany’s Civil War journal as a child.

Joseph is significantly involved in researching African American and slavery-era genealogy. He is the Chapter Representative for the Greater Philadelphia Area Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists (GPAC-APG) and has served as Program Coordinator for the same organization. His involvement extends to the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania (GSP), where he has held multiple roles, including interim Program Committee Chairperson and membership on the Board of Directors.

Joseph has dedicated hundreds of hours to genealogical institutes, conferences. His primary research interests are Virginia and the people his ancestors enslaved. He also has extensive research experience in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions of the United States, as well as Ireland and Russia/Poland. His specialization includes slavery-era research and records related to the American Civil War.

He holds a BA in history with a concentration in American history and continues to enhance his knowledge through various high-quality webinars, courses, and institutes. Joseph also maintains a blog titled Too Many Ancestors, Too Little Time.

For more detailed information, you can visit his profile on WikiTree.

Literacy InterActives

Literacy InterActives, founded in 2007 in Southside Virginia, is a nonprofit organization that focuses on connecting education, culture, public history, and technology. This organization promotes interactive literacy practices as a way to bridge communities in Virginia. One of its notable projects is the supervision of the Parker Sydnor log cabin, a significant historic site built by formerly enslaved African Americans in the 19th century.

This project emphasizes interactive community involvement and historical preservation. The organization’s board includes members who are linked descendants from the Prestwould plantation, public history and preservation professionals, and community members from Southside Virginia. Additionally, Literacy InterActives has been recognized for its programming efforts and in 2022, the Sydnor Cabin was named as one of the top 10 most endangered historic sites by Preservation Virginia.