Captions by Logan Bishop '24
Photography by Zachary Lutzky '24
On the morning of February 28th, students and Williamsburg residents alike marched around the William and Mary campus in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Below are photos of the event captured by Zachary Lutzky '24.
Hundreds gathered before the march.
A powerful speech was given in Merchant’s Square before the march began. One of the key topics was supporting the name change for certain William and Mary buildings with eponyms associated with adamant supporters of slavery.
The renaming of buildings has been a contested topic on the campus. The main issue stems from the fact that many of the buildings are named after individuals who acquired their wealth from participating directly or indirectly in the slave trade.
For example, Tyler Hall is named after Lyon Gardiner Tyler, who advocated for Jim Crow laws. Surveys gauging the opinion of the student body have been issued, with many agreeing that Tyler should not have a hall named after him. The full referendum can be accessed at: https://www.wm.edu/sites/studentassembly/electionscommission/referendum-results/spring2021-naming-n-renaming-referendum/index.php
Tyler Hall, named after Lyon Gardiner Tyler.
“These men hated black people and wanted slavery.”
“When you push against systemic racism you must push against it like they [the namesakes of these buildings] did: all in.”
“Do more than coming out here once a month. Do more because someone else's life depends on it.”
The march went around William and Mary, with chants of “Black Lives Matter” and “Change the Names” echoing throughout the campus.
An individual ensures COVID-19 safety during the BLM protest by separating groups numbered 10 or less.
