Twin Memorials
Emory University’s Twin Memorials project, which will honor the enslaved individuals who are part of the university’s history, has entered an exciting phase with the engagement of Hood Design Studio.
Established in 1992, the nationally recognized firm has proven success in telling powerful stories—often of those whose contributions have not been adequately seen or recognized—through public art and landscape architecture. The Hood team has developed memorials and markers for the University of Virginia and Princeton University, and they recently designed the landscape architecture for the International African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina, which opened in 2023.
“Hood Design Studio blends scholarship with a deeply creative artistic practice, envisioning monuments that touch both the mind and heart,” says Emory President Gregory L. Fenves. “I have experienced their work in person, and it is thought-provoking and profoundly moving. The Twin Memorials will honor the untold stories of the enslaved individuals who are part of Emory’s history. By partnering with Hood Design Studio and continuing to engage with our community, especially descendant families, we will develop memorials in Oxford and Atlanta that will create understanding and inspire reflection for generations to come.”
Selected Works by Hood Design Studio
“Shadow Catcher” | University of Virginia (2012)
All photos by Hood Design Studio
“Double Sights” | Princeton University (2019)
John Robinson Jr. Town Square and “FREED” | Arlington, Virginia (2021)
International African American Museum | Charleston, South Carolina (2023)
Project Timeline
Fall 2020
The Task Force on Untold Stories and Disenfranchised Populations was reappointed to develop recommendations to honor enslaved persons who are part of the university’s history.
Spring 2021
In their final report, the Task Force on Untold Stories and Disenfranchised Populations advised that “twin” memorials be constructed on the Oxford and Atlanta campuses.
Fall 2021
The Twin Memorials Working Group was established and charged with engaging the community to develop plans for “twin” memorials.
Spring 2022
Design firm Baskervill was hired to lead the first phase of public engagement. Listening sessions were held on the Atlanta and Oxford campuses, as well as off-campus, with descendants in the Oxford and Atlanta communities.
Community Engagement
- Twenty-six listening sessions were held in Atlanta and Oxford.
- More than 225 descendants, students, faculty, administrators, staff, alumni, and community partners shared their thoughts, ideas, and impressions about the memorials.
Fall 2022
The community was invited to review design concepts developed from the input collected from the first phase.
Spring 2023
Incorporating the insights from the Task Force report and appendix, as well as the engagement phase led by the Twin Memorials Working Group, a request for proposals (RFP) is released to identify a design team to further develop the design concepts and construct the memorial.
President Fenves convened the Design Team Selection Advisory Committee to review proposals for the Twin Memorials.
Summer 2023
Guided by the Design Team Selection Advisory Committee’s recommendation, President Fenves selected Hood Design Studio.
