Welcome to Always Part of the Fabric!

This website seeks to highlight the presence of African Americans within the history of Davidson College, expanding on the original 2015 project through a culmination of reorganization, increased accessibility, and updated and additional research.

The short documentary associated with the original Always Part of the Fabric project can be viewed here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4.

At this time, this exhibit's content only spans the 19th century. This is due to present time constraints and the necessity of dedicating adequate care to every aspect of this project. As such, the capacity for growth is a key consideration in this website’s design. The hope is that it will continue to expand as more is uncovered and more voices contribute.

A Note on Content

Who has agency? Who controls the narrative?

These are important questions to consider when examining primary sources, especially those concerning marginalized communities. Similarly, it is important to make the distinction between white individuals talking about black individuals and the true experiences of black individuals. Unfortunately, 19th century sources of the latter variety are scarce, and we must largely rely on sources filtered through white perspectives.

For more information on what is and is not included in this exhibit and why, see the Violent Incidents page.

Advisory Statement

The Davidson College Archives & Special Collections contain materials originally published in yearbooks, newspapers, and other Davidson College publications. You may encounter upsetting racist, oppressive, and outdated representations in these documents. They are included for historical accuracy and do not represent the views of the current Davidson College community, which honors the dignity of all persons and commits itself to a quest for truth and the building of a more just and humane future.