New Memorial Bench Honors Victims of Racial Violence

Jan 19, 2023

As part of Xavier's inaugural Martin Luther King Jr. Spirit Celebration, University leaders unveiled a new bench commissioned to honor Black lives lost due to racial violence and systemic oppression.

Xavier's Black Lives Lost Memorial Bench honors Black lives tragically lost due to systemic racial violence, oppression and police brutality. The bench, which is believed to be the first of its kind on a major university campus, was blessed and unveiled to the community as part of Xavier's Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration.

The Black Lives Lost Memorial Bench will remain in Bellarmine Chapel throughout January. Beginning in February, the bench will be displayed inside various venues on campus until a permanent location is determined.

"Seeing (the bench) in different spaces will allow us to meet our community where they are," said Ivy Banks, Xavier's vice president for institutional diversity and inclusion. "(It) will give them those moments of care and moments of time to reflect on this work that we are all called to do."

Designed by local artist and Xavier alumna Adoria Maxberry ('09), the bench consists of thematic imagery, words that capture the purpose of the memorial and the names of those whose lives were lost due to racial violence.

"Adoria has been amazing," Banks said. "She's done some great work in Cincinnati with the Black Lives Matter campaign. Her work ensures social justice is part of our life. It's been an amazing partnership."

The bench was created in response to feedback from Xavier students who called for a space where they could silently reflect on the community's current standing and where they want to go from here.

The memorial bench project began in spring 2021 under the direction of Pastor Justin West and the Fred Shuttlesworth Leadership Team in the Center for Faith & Justice. The project was supported by the Truth, Racial Healing, and Reconciliation Grant from Xavier's Office of Institutional Diversity & Inclusion as well as a grant from Interfaith America.