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Conclusion of Civil War and Virginia Union University's 150th Anniversary: Reflections

Lumpkin’s jail in Richmond was once the largest slave-trading facility outside of New Orleans. Known as the ‘Devil’s Half-Acre,’ it was sold to a Baptist minister in 1867 in hopes of establishing an all-black seminary…and would soon be referred to ‘God’s Half-Acre.’ That seminary laid the foundation for a school that thrives today - and, along with the conclusion of the Civil War, has just celebrated its 150th anniversary.

While the nation was still far from united on rights and how to heal, an opportunity for blacks to receive an education was burgeoning at Lumpkin’s Jail-where slaves had been held for sale. The place that symbolized oppression became the initial home of Virginia Union University, and a new beginning for blacks.

Governor McAuliffe told current students that it's important to thrive in the heart of adversity.  He also said that as a nation-not just as racial groups-we should reflect on the sacrifices made during that era, take nothing for granted, and build on the successes. State Senator Rosalyn Dance agrees.

“That we should do better than 42% of us voting. People have died to give us the rights that we have and give us the privileges that we have. And we should not get puffed up and forget from whence we came. But for each of us that have had a chance to rise up, we have a responsibility to work hard – to make sure our brothers and sisters have equal share in what happened here.”  

And Dance says while some aspects of Virginia may still be a reflection of darker days, the Commonwealth has been a leader in many positive ways, including the election of the first black governor.

Tommie McNeil is a State Capitol reporter who has been covering Virginia and Virginia politics for more than a decade. He originally hails from Maryland, and also doubles as the evening anchor for 1140 WRVA in Richmond.
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