So Who is Silent Sam?
“Silent Sam” is a monument located in the center of McCorkle Place on the UNC Chapel Hill Campus. The monument was constructed after the Civil War by proposition of an organization called The United Daughters of the Confederacy to honor students who left school to fight for the southern army. The statue is regularly protested by students and community members because of its racial undertones.
So why should I care?
From activists to journalists, undergraduates attending UNC are likely affected by the events. Intended peaceful protests can become violent and action can lead to danger. The events surrounding the monument could simply be a constant reminder to students to speak up for what they do believe in. Journalism students have true practice covering the newsworthy events surrounding the statue.
Silent Sam’s future appears to be heavily bound in red tape but people are likely to continue speaking their minds. No matter their involvement or opinions, Chapel Hill students are living through a piece of relevant history.
So why is all this important?
Take a look at Silent Sam’s dates, intention, and history. He’s caused a lot of trouble in the past and likely will in the future. Confederate statues are a story that swept the nation after protests in Virginia became violent and many hoped for federal legislation to remove all statues honoring the confederacy. Silent Sam’s story could be a part of a larger history that determines how America choses to represent its past. Here’s what’s happened in the past and what comes next is uncertain, but up to students, community members, and lawmakers.
