My Thoughts on Harvard and its Legacy of Slavery

Last weekend, I had the privilege of traveling to Boston with my husband and parents to participate in Harvard University’s Commencement. These graduation exercises were specifically organized for the classes of 2020 and 2021 since COVID-19 prevented in-person ceremonies for our respective classes. I was happy to have my “Harvard Moment;” I know my parents were beyond proud to watch their youngest child walk across a stage under crimson Harvard banners. If you told them this 20 years ago, they wouldn’t believe it. At the same time, being a Black Woman graduate of Harvard didn’t erase the wariness I felt about Harvard’s history. This blog post is a brief snapshot of Harvard’s legacy of slavery, the work that a team of researchers are doing to spread awareness and make systemic amends, and my thoughts about it all.