Brown University - Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice

Brown University - Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice

Nonprofit - School

Website: http://brown.edu/initiatives/slavery-and-justice/events-exhibitions

 4018635085

 4018635095

 194 Meeting St; Box 1895, Providence, RI 02912

In 2003, President Ruth Simmons appointed a Steering Committee on Slavery and Justice (SCSJ) to explore Brown’s historical relationship to slavery and the transatlantic slave trade. The SCSJ devoted three years to this task, uncovering, documenting, and discussing Brown’s history and relationship to American slavery and the African slave trade. The SCSJ also sponsored many events that helped Brown and the Providence community reflect on this history, and the then national debate about reparations for slavery.

The SCSJ’s final report details how some of Brown’s founders and benefactors participated in slavery and the transatlantic slave trade and the benefits the University derived from these activities. The report includes a set of recommendations by which Brown could publicly acknowledge this history and promote ongoing consideration of issues related to slavery and justice. One major recommendation was the established of a Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice (CSSJ). CSSJ was formally established during the 2012-2013 academic year.

The SCSJ also recommended that Brown explore ways to memorialize Rhode Island’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. The memorial would shed continuous light on this history, thus encouraging ongoing reflection and discussion about the impact of slavery in Rhode Island. Acclaimed American artist Martin Puryear has been commissioned to create the memorial.