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Unsung Founders Memorial, UNC Chapel Hill

Unsung Founders Memorial
UNC (Chapel Hill)
View complete article and references at Commemorative Landscapes of North Carolina at: https://docsouth.unc.edu/commland/monument/45

Description: The memorial is a table located in McCorkle Place, one of the University's quads. The table is made of black granite and supported by 300 bronze figurines. The table is surrounded by 5 black stone seats.

Inscription:
Inscribed around edge of table: THE CLASS OF 2002 HONORS THE UNIVERSITY™S UNSUNG FOUNDERS ” THE PEOPLE OF COLOR BOUND AND FREE ” WHO HELPED BUILD THE CAROLINA THAT WE CHERISH TODAY.

Dedication date: 11/5/2005

Creator: Do-Ho Suh, Sculptor
Byron Wilson, Unspecified
Ben Singer, Unspecified


Materials & Techniques: Black granite, bronze

Sponsor: University Graduating Class of 2002

Cost: $94000

Controversies: There has been discussion since the monument's installation of the monument in such a prominent location on one of the campus's main quads, particularly concerning the impression it gives to visitors of the campus. There has also been discussion about the monument being overshadowed by the Confederate monument on campus (Silent Sam). The artist originally wanted it placed more to the side of the quad and under a tree. However, the facilities department worried the monument monument might damage a tree. Eventually the current location was chosen.

Location: The monument is located in McCorkle place on the UNC campus.

Landscape: The location of the monument is interesting in its proximity to the campus's Memorial to the University's Civil War soldiers. The location is intentional to represent the University's dedication to recognizing its history. At the monument's dedication, the Chancellor at the time spoke to the monument's significance in the University's commitment to recognizing all aspects of its history, including its darker aspects.

City: Chapel Hill

County: Orange

Subjects: Educational Institutions,Historic African American Figures

Latitude: 
35.91362
Longitude: 
-79.05212
Subjects: 
Origin - location: