Memorial to Enslaved Laborers
Location: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Client: University of Virginia
Stone: Wisp Granite
Architect/Designer: Howeler + Yoon
Artist: Eto Otitigbe
Landscape Architect: Gregg Bleat
Cultural Historian and Designer: Dr. Mabel O. Wilson (Studio &)
Community Engagement Facilitator: Dr. Frank Dukes
The Memorial to Enslaved Laborers (MEL) at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville stands as a profound tribute to honor the lives, labor, and unwavering perseverance of the approximately 4,000 enslaved men, women, and children who played an integral role in building and sustaining the daily life of faculty and students at the University.
Joining Forces with Architects, Artists, and Cultural Experts to Realize Memorial Project
To bring this significant memorial to fruition, Quarra Stone collaborated closely with architects Höweler + Yoon and artist Eto Otitigbe, along with the expertise of cultural historian and designer Dr. Mabel O. Wilson, community engagement facilitator Dr. Frank Dukes, and landscape architect Gregg Bleam.
As the entrusted provider of stone fabrication and installation services, Quarra Stone took on the task of realizing the memorial’s vision using local granite. With meticulous attention to detail and respect for the memorial’s purpose, Quarra Stone’s skilled artisans and craftsman embarked on the stone fabrication process. The granite was carved with precision, using digital fabrication.
Once the stone fabrication was completed, Quarra Stone undertook the responsibility of installing the memorial on the University of Virginia’s campus in Charlottesville. Our experienced installation team ensured that each stone component was meticulously positioned and secured, creating a lasting testament to the indomitable spirit of the enslaved laborers.
This profound memorial stands as a testament to the strength, resilience, and enduring impact of those who were enslaved, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared history and inspiring a commitment to a more just and inclusive future.
