James Shields '00, Krishauna Hines-Gaither, and Quaker Librarian and Archivist Gwen Gosney Erickson served as panelists — sharing how librarians, researchers, and practitioners work in tandem to investigate and interrogate their institution’s public narrative of Quaker abolitionism. The panel focused on how campus and community partners can engage archival collections to bring hidden histories into public spaces and collaborate to produce works that go beyond white Quaker abolitionism, in order to center the essential contributions of African Americans through research presentations, campus tours, and live theater. Immigrant Student Coordinator Liz Torres Melendez also attended and documented her colleagues presenting.

Universities Studying Slavery is an international organization that initially grew out of work centered at the University of Virginia and other Virginia institutions. It is dedicated to organizing multi-institutional collaborations to facilitate mutual support for addressing both historical and contemporary issues dealing with race and inequity in higher education. This work focuses on universities’ relationships with the complicated legacies of slavery in modern society. Guilford College is undertaking work to reframe narratives and acknowledge white supremacy at our institution within the context of our abolitionist founding. Our deep history and present realities are informed by complicating these legacies, which positions us well for engagement with the Universities Studying Slavery group. 
 
Gwen and Krishauna were favorably impressed with Tougaloo College’s hospitality for the Fall 2018 conference in Mississippi and inquired how Guilford might host in the future. The College is thrilled to announce that its invitation was accepted by USS for fall 2020. Next October, we have the opportunity to host the 50-plus institution group here at Guilford College.