Scholarship on the Topic of Slavery and Emory 

Slavery and the University: Histories and Legacies explores how institutions like Emory University have begun to recognize and reconsider their roles in slavery and the use of enslaved labor, including three chapters related to the Oxford College campus.

The Accidental Slaveowner is the first full-length book to examine the story of Bishop Andrew and Catherine Boyd in detail. The author began his research during his time as a faculty member at Oxford College.

Rhetoric, Public Memory, and Campus History explores the rhetoric of campus histories and includes a chapter related to the Oxford College campus.

Additional Resources on Emory University History

Emory University and Slavery Guide

Emory’s Special Collections, including the Oxford College Library Archives and Special CollectionsPitts Theology LibraryStuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book LibraryWoodruff Health Sciences Center Library Historical CollectionsWoodruff Health Sciences Center Library Historical Collections, and the Hugh F. MacMillan Law Library have identified archival collections and secondary source materials that document and contextualize the University’s involvement with slavery.  This resource guide is a starting point and will be expanded as more materials are identified.

Emory University History Guide:

This guide includes descriptions of resources from Emory University Archives, as well as manuscript collections related to the history of Emory University.

Naming Honors Research Guide:

This guide provides biographical information and sources for further research into Emory-affiliated figures.

Mvskoke (Creek) Language & Ecology:

This guide includes resources for Muskogee Language and ecology in Georgia.

Native American and Indigenous Studies:

This guide gathers together a variety of resources for Native American and Indigenous Studies available at Emory Libraries.

Emory’s Twin Memorial Project

Emory University’s Twin Memorials project seeks to honor the substantial contributions of the enslaved individuals and their descendants who helped to build, maintain, and grow Emory.

Contact Us

For questions about this exhibit or materials on display, contact the Oxford College Library:

Call Us: (770) 784-8380

Email Us: ox-librarystaff@listserv.cc.emory.edu

Credits

Original Exhibit Credits

The Work Is Never Finished, which ran from October 2021-December 2022 at Oxford College Library, was made possible by the teamwork of many individuals throughout the Emory Libraries. Thank you to the following individuals:

Curated by the Oxford College Library Archives & Special Collections Team: Kerry Bowden, Stephanie Darden, Vanessa Garofalo, Kitty McNeill, and Ellen Neufeld

Exhibit Design: Kathy Dixson & John Klingler, Emory Libraries

Instructional Design: Paige Crowl, Vanessa Garofalo, and Anne Le-Huu Pineault

Technology Support: Ben Brown

Special Thanks: John Bence, Judy Greer, Nina Rao, and Ann Slaughter

Digital Exhibit Credits

The Digital Exhibit was Created by: Alexandrea Kord, Kerry Bowden, Stephanie Darden, and Jacob Lackner

Additional Support: Ellen Neufeld, Ben Brown, Christian N. Hill, Chase Lovellette, and Caroline Corbett

Additional thanks to the entire staff of Oxford College Library!