Center for Studying Structures of Race
The Center for Studying Structures of Race (CSSR) was formed at the end of 2019 to provide thoughtful, creative, and innovative responses to the problems of race in local, national, and international contexts. The name intentionally invokes the physical structures on and around the Roanoke College campus that reveal histories and legacies of slavery and institutional racism including campus buildings constructed by enslaved workers, a former slave quarters, and a Confederate monument, while also emphasizing the necessity of examining forms of structural racism from an interdisciplinary perspective. The CSSR attempts to both expand and complicate the ways in which we teach, research, and learn about race, creates a space for unique and experiential student learning activities, and works to establish connections with the broader community.
Annual Theme
What do we remember? Where do we encounter our individual and collective memories? How do we make space for that which is forgotten? In 2024-2025, the Center for Studying Structures of Race will think through a statement: Forget Me Not
NEWS
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The sculpture, “Authors and Architects” by Sandy Williams IV, was selected in partnership with Creative Time and will be situated on campus to memorialize enslaved people connected to Roanoke College history.
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"Freedom is Not a Metaphor” is an exhibition by Richmond artist Sandy Williams IV, who was selected last year to design a memorial to enslaved laborers at Roanoke College. The exhibition will open on Friday, Sept. 13, with a reception in Smoyer Gallery from 6-8 p.m.
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The $100,000 grant will support in-depth learning opportunities including research taking place this summer.
