Alums Look Forward to Returning to Campus for Monument's Unveiling on April 24

Among those returning to campus for the event is Jada Ceasar ’20, who was the program director for the Black at Bryn Mawr tour from 2017–2020 and a member of the 2018 History Working Group.

“In [M. Carey Thomas’] vision, students like me, students of color, and even Jewish students weren’t here,” Ceasar told the Alumnae Bulletin in 2019. “But we’re here now, and we’re making change … If we all act with great intention and clear hearts, there’s no way this place can’t be better.”

For Ceasar, the unveiling is a long-awaited moment.

“This monument is the result of a community of individuals dedicated to researching and advocating for change,” she said recently“This achievement is the culmination of the efforts of those who came before me, my own contributions, and those who will come after me. For me, the monument symbolizes my contribution to the institution and serves as a reminder that, although it wasn't built for me, I will always belong there. I hope future students find feelings of hope and solace. This journey is far from over.”

Annalise Ashman ’24 was a student researcher on the project and will also be attending the unveiling.

“Being a part of the ARCH project has been one of the most transformative experiences I've had at Bryn Mawr,” she says. “Starting out as a research assistant during my sophomore year, I quickly realized how exciting public art can be as a community-building tool through storytelling.  I was fascinated by the experiences that former and current staff and alums had to share about the college's history and have been humbled to have seen these stories be cemented into the college in a tangible, visible way.”

Associate Professor of History of Art and Director of Museum Studies Monique Scott, who helped lead the ARCH Project, says the importance of student contributions to the project cannot be overstated.

"This project would not exist without the vision, research, and persistence of students,” says Scott. “Their work has been both courageous and transformational. ‘Don’t Forget to Remember (Me)’ is not only a tribute to the past—it’s a testament to the power of student leadership in shaping a more honest and inclusive future."