UMW Installs Five New Fredericksburg Civil Rights Wayside Panels on Campus
The University of Mary Washington and the City of Fredericksburg unveiled five new Fredericksburg Civil Rights Wayside Panels installed on campus, on Tuesday, July 16.
These five new wayside panels cover a variety of topics including “Campus Desegregation” One of the stories is of local resident, Gladys White Jordon, a graduate of Walker Grant High School, who was barred from admission, when she applied in 1956.
Other panels include stories on breaking barriers with Dr. James Farmer, Kay Savage, “The Big Five,” and other impactful campus change-makers including Forrest Parker, Sr., Johnny Johnson and Dr. Cedric Rucker.
The five UMW panels are located in front of Combs Hall, Ball Circle, and near Monroe Hall. The panels were unveiled one day shy of the four-year anniversary of the initial email between the dynamic duo, whose ideas and hard work, launched the trail, Chris Williams (UMW) and Victoria Matthews (City of Fredericksburg).
In his opening remarks, Dr. Troy Paino, praised the collaboration with the City on this project which provided the many participating UMW’s students a “high impact learning experience.”
Dr. Christine Henry, of the Historic Preservation Department and Dr. Steve Hanna from the Geography Department, provided remarks. Dr. Henry stressed how important it is to “put these stories on the landscape…and really think about these accomplishments.
Dr. Hanna echoed the remarks of his colleague stating, “It’s vital that not only our story exists – but it’s cemented in the landscape” for others to discover.
“I commend the University of Mary Washington and the dedication to this project that resulted in these five new wayside panels on campus for a total of 16 signs throughout the city. It will be a story for future generations as they come here to study and learn about the Civil Rights Story in Fredericksburg,” added Mayor Kerry Devine.
Explore the Civil Rights History of Fredericksburg, start your visit online.
On February 8, 2024, the Fredericksburg Civil Rights Trail was included on the United States Civil Rights Trail, as the fourth site in Virginia – learn more.