Shaw University Connects With The Lafayette Trail Project

RALEIGH, NC – Shaw University and the Lafayette Trail Project introduced a new historical marker onto the Raleigh campus on December 8, 2020. The historical marker is in dedication to General Marquis de Lafayette and his farewell tour of the United States during the years 1824-1825.

A unified effort made the marker possible. With help from Belle Long and the Wake County Historical Society, the project was able to be formally researched and funded. The unveiling of the Lafayette Trail dedication marker on the university’s campus makes a total of nineteen in the state of North Carolina. 

General Marquis de Lafayette was known to be a French abolitionist who traveled through the U.S. bringing attention to government officials of how heinous the act of slavery is to mankind. Lafayette was welcomed as a guest in the home of North Carolina Governor Hutchins Gordon Burton. At that time, the Governor’s home was across the street from Shaw’s campus.   His route throughout the United States is now known as the Lafayette Trail.

Shaw University has been working on this project for six months, learning the history of Lafayette and the significant role that he played in history. Although Shaw University was not founded till 1865,  Lafayette once stood near the location of the dedicated marker in 1825.

Shaw University President Dr. Paulette Dillard stated, “It is an honor to have the Lafayette Trail historical marker on this campus…not only for the valuable knowledge of knowing who General Lafayette was but also for the current racial issues that are being faced by black communities. As Shaw stands as the oldest HBCU of the south recognizing Lafayette to be a notable abolitionist during that time, allows us the opportunity to connect past and present-day.”

The Lafayette Trail Project’s President Julien Icher expressed the same sentiments as Dr. Dillard on how important it was to have the historical marker located on the university’s campus. “The marker will create a public and historical resource to connect people with Lafayette’s legacy of how the desire for freedom transcends borders,” Icher stated.

General Lafayette’s story is considered an inspiration symbolizing a deep friendship between the French and American people that exceeds 200 years. The marker celebrates abolitionist Layfayette’s advocacy and his lifelong commitment to universal rights and freedom.

Shaw University Dean of Arts, Sciences, & Humanities Dr. Valerie A. Johnson said at the dedication ceremony, “If people know the history we will be able to imagine ourselves in another way of endless possibilities to unify rather than the bonded cleavages that we are experiencing.” She conveyed the importance of being aware of social justice issues that the black communities currently face are similar to the oppressing issues that Lafayette saw in 1825 and how they are currently repeating themselves. Johnson went on to say that having the dedication marker of General Lafayette on Shaw’s campus will encourage people to fight for equality. 

“Having this exposure to new projects can lead to more publicity for Shaw University, potentially leading to other partnerships and funding for the university, all while bringing awareness to social justice in black communities,” said Dillard.