The George Taylor Remembrance Project raised awareness about the lynching of George Taylor which occurred over 100 years ago and is the only documented lynching in Wake County. As part of the reconciliation process, students conducted a soil collection and created the Citizen's Promise. They are now working towards having a historical marker placed near the lynching site.
"This was truly an unforgettable journey filled with many ups and downs however in the end we persevered and had a significant impact in our community."
- Student Reflection
Learning the Violent History of Lynchings
Students used the FEEL stage to learn the history of lynchings and, specificially, the circumstance and details surrounding a lynching that occrured in their community. They dug into the violence and the impact of the lynching of George Taylor. Additionally, students researched the process and implications of reconciliation and reparations.
Investigating Options for Reconciliation
During the IMAGINE stage, students researched options for action and, based on their focus on reconciliation and reparations, considered options through the Citizen’s Promise and Equal Justice Initiative. They also investigated and chartered a course for a soil drive for soil donations from across the county where the lynching occurred.
Collecting Soil for Reonciliation
Students prioritized action around sharing George Taylor’s story. Students connected with family, friends, teachers, commissioners, representatives, mayors and community members and attended community events to share the story, discuss their work and gather support for the Citizen's Promise. They also collected soil from 300 community members, representing the 300 people present at George Taylor’s lynching. Students then visited Montgomery, Alabama, a number of Civil Rights museums and the Equal Justice Initiative to present the soil they collected.
Sharing at Community Institutions
During the SHARE stage, students traveled to a number of events to discuss their work. They have shared their story and invited partnership with Guilford College, Campbell Law School, Wake County Commissioner’s Office, Wake County School Board and the Raleigh City Council. They also created a website to continue their ongoing work.
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