Storytelling and Identity - Fall 2023

we are made of stories

Category: Experiential Reflections

Prep Note 10/24

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On October 23, 2023

In Angelos, Experiential Reflections, prep note

Unfortunately, I was not able to join the classroom on Thursday due to my sickness even though it was a trip I was really looking forward to. Nevertheless, I am fortunate to read everyone’s notes, especially Anna’s and Nickolas’ Class Notes, which helped me understand the context of the other notes and a really insightful outline of the excursion.

Regarding the assignment, I was wondering about the format and structure of the essays; How long are you expecting the essays to be and what structure should we follow both within paragraphs and in the essay overall?

Could we have any examples of what learning moments or quotes are? Are the learning moments a realization or a learning curve over the semester? Could we talk more about the evidence you are expecting us to use in the classroom? Are there any previous learning portfolios we could read?

Finally, I read the essay rubric and it seems that it adds up to 9 points and not 10.

Class Reflection – 10/19/23

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On October 22, 2023

In Experiential Reflections, Javier

My image that encapsulated the experience was an image by where the old prison site itself used to be, where by the signages that detailed the stories of the Devil’s Acre, was a rock labeled “Gabriel, Not Forgotten.”

I believe it was a fairly powerful component. Gabriel, meaning Strength of God in Hebrew – and the specific phrase “not forgotten” – While before coming to Richmond and reading Richmond’s Unhealed History, I had been fairly unfamiliar with who Gabriel was. However, the site itself was very familiar with Gabriel, his story, and his rebellion.

Another interesting point was how the old location, the “Devil’s Acre” was eventually turned into a historically black college, Virginia Union University, originally founded to educate Freedman after the property had been taken under his wife who decided to use it to support African Americans. It was the site of the University until they eventually moved to its present-day location.

Class Reflection 10/19

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On October 22, 2023

In Experiential Reflections, Will L

The photos I have included are of the obelisk on the slave burial grounds as well as the inscription at the base of it. I chose to include this because of how it caught my eye both the obelisk itself as well as its description. It seemed out of place when I first saw it but after reflecting on it I’ve thought about the fact that the grounds themself are out of place as they shouldn’t have to exist. When I was reading the description I noticed that Africa was spelled with a K and after looking into it I found that “reverting to the “K” spelling empowered people of African descent and created the foundation for a common identity between them.” I feel that this obelisk does a good job of standing out and making people understand why it’s there.

Slave Burial Ground Trip Reflection 10/19/23

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On October 22, 2023

In Experiential Reflections, kristine

This picture showcases a mural of sorts that serves as a memorial for the slave burial ground. I think the pictures of skeletons are very haunting and also evoke a sadness as well because these people were forgotten about for so long. This spot and the whole area in general was an effective place for reflection because of its atmosphere. At this spot particularly, I found myself just standing there and staring at this piece of artwork for a pretty long time because I just couldn’t fathom these people’s lives and experiences. I feel like immersing myself in this place was a lot more effective in terms of education about slavery than much of my prior study on the subject.

announcements for Tues. Oct 24 class

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On October 22, 2023

In Announcements, Experiential Reflections

Some of you have already been posting your photo from Thursday’s trip–Great! I went ahead and added it to the assignment for Tuesday, which means you have 2 posts to do for class that day.  It doesn’t have to be a long post. Just capture your main take-aways and we’ll discuss in class.  **NOTE: please categorize your trip post under “experiential reflections”.

About the planned museum: this article is a good update about what is going on, though I wonder what is happening now, a year later. Also, here is the website kept up by the organization defending the site.

 

Reflection from 10/19/23

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On October 22, 2023

In Experiential Reflections, Kaylee

I took this picture in front of the first monument we saw when we arrived at the burial ground. These flowers were left on a rock that faces a tree where historians think hangings took place. There is no way to know the number of people who were killed there and how many were buried just feet away, but it is still extremely important to show that they have not been forgotten. Seeing the flowers placed there reminded me of how it is common to leave flowers at headstones, but unfortunately, there are no gravestones or markers for the people buried at the site. I think whoever left the flowers meant to honor those who have passed and show that they are still being remembered. This stood out to me because the people buried at the site were forgotten at one point, but that is changing.

Reflection from 10/19

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On October 22, 2023

In Experiential Reflections, Julia

This picture was taken right next to the new monument that had been built by Richmond residents. In the middle of the image there is a small blue plaque that reads “Sacred Forest.” I thought this was a beautiful way to honor those whose lives had been lost at the jail. Obviously the trees are very young so they were planted recently, but I thought it was a beautiful symbol of bringing life back into a place where such dark things occurred. Trees that still stand were probably there when all of the prisoners were buried, so I found it symbolic that new trees and new memories would be made in this space, and people can honor those who lost their lives.

Thoughts from 10/19 Field Trip

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On October 20, 2023

In Experiential Reflections, Will S

This picture is of a mural that was painted near the burial site we visited. It was located close to the street, along the wall where the signs displaying the numbers you could call to hear about Gabriel were located. The mural seems to be sending an inspiring message about rising up from hate and oppression, but the thing that stood out to me wasn’t the message of the mural, but the message sent by the fact that it was defaced. The disregard and irreverence with which this mural was treated is really sad to me. And this same treatment is repeated throughout the site, with trash and litter scattered everywhere and telephone poles and lights standing right in the middle of the burial grounds. There seems to be a general lack of care given to the site. I know that there are ongoing efforts to restore and preserve the burial ground, but they seem to have an uphill battle ahead of them. I can only hope that in the future there are more resources given to those who want to protect and preserve such an important historical site, and those resources allow this important part of Richmond’s history the respect and reverence it deserves.

Trip to Devil’s Half Acre

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On October 19, 2023

In Dolson, Experiential Reflections, Uncategorized

I was struck by the state of disrepair of the memorial site that Free Egunfemi Bandura created.  I know they just had a Gabriel celebration on Oct.10, and I wonder if they met near these signs?  Seems like they would have done something to restore it.  Still, I love what Free did in recalling and drawing messages of hope from the story of Brother General Gabriel.

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