Brianna Greco, Assistant Features Editor

The Community Coalition and UC faculty and students have worked in conjunction with the National Abolitionist Hall of Fame (NAHOF) to have a traveling exhibit make a stop on the UC campus.

The exhibit will help tell the story of individuals who were crucial parts of the abolitionist movement.

Suzanne B. Spring from NAHOF stated, “This exhibit focuses on the extraordinary work that thousands of free people of color, previously enslaved men and women, and white people of conscience engaged in as they sought to end slavery and evolve the public mind.”

“These traveling exhibits are the result of the research and advocacy of nationally recognized scholars, committed community members and descendants of abolitionists, and local college students who have worked to bring these remarkable lives to the public today,” Spring said.

Alane Varga, Dean for Diversity and Student Development, stated, “The exhibit will feature large panels displaying individual abolitionists throughout history and the roles each of them played in the movement.”

Varga also talked about the importance of cultural events at a culturally diverse college campus such as UC’s.

“There are a number of ways to learn about yourself, different disciplines, and the world around you that occur outside of the classroom.  I think creating those opportunities is a vital role that a college can play in the lives of its students,” said Varga.

The exhibit will be at UC from March 1 to March 11. The exhibit will be displayed in the Edith Langley Barrett Fine Art Gallery and on the first floor of the library.

Varga along with Christopher Fobare, assistant professor of History; Suzanne Richardson, assistant professor of Creative Non-fiction; Joshua Henry, student and member of the Black Student Union; Patricia Gortman; student and president of the Black Student Union; and Demetrius Pettway, student and member of the Black Student Union, have worked with NAHOF to bring the display to UC for students and faculty.

The exhibit will also coincide with events that include the showing of the Netflix documentary “13th” with discussion to follow, with a date and time to be determined, and the Black Student Union’s living wax museum on March 7 at 3 p.m. in the Library Concourse.

The exhibit will also be traveling to other locations across Central New York once it leaves UC.  It was previously showcased at Mohawk Valley Community College and will also travel to Our Savior Lutheran Church and will be showcased there from March 12 to March 26.

Junior Georganne Jadhon expressed how she is intrigued to hear UC is hosting an exhibit such as the one from NAHOF.

“I feel like UC is always looking for ways to enhance the diversity on campus, and this exhibit seems like another way to learn more about a topic many people don’t’ know much about,” Jadhon said.

For more information on the exhibit contact Alane Varga at [email protected] or Suzanne B. Spring from the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum at [email protected].