'We don't want to lose Shaw:' Alumni concerned rezoning will erase Black history

Did you know the first four-year medical school in the entire country is right here in Raleigh?

What about the first structure build for the higher education of African American women in the United states?

Both historic sites were built in the 1800s in the aftermath of the emancipation of enslaved men and women from Raleigh-area plantations.

On Saturday, alumni of Shaw University are rallying to protect and preserve these sites of immense importance, not just to Raleigh history, but national history and Black history.

Kesha Monk is one of the alumni who formed Save Our Shaw, a grassroots coalition formed as a direct result of Shaw University's rezoning request earlier this year.

Advocates are concerned by several pieces of the rezoning request, which they fear could damage or diminish the historic buildings. One of original rezoning requests had stipulations for how much damage one of the historic sites could receive before allowing for demolition – but many advocates believe there should be no condition under which the buildings, which are historic landmarks, should be allowed to be demolished.

A summary of the proposed conditions from April says the request would allow for historic buildings Estey Hall, Tupper Memorial Hall, Leonard Hall and Tyler Hall to the removed if they are damaged or destroyed to more than 50% of their respective total replacement costs.

Advocates cited another major concern, saying Shaw University is requesting to increase development heights to 30 stories. Such tall structures surrounding the smaller and older historic buildings could leave them diminished, hidden from public view or even potentially damaged by nearby construction. Nearby, the Pope House, a historic home belonging to the first licensed doctor in North Carolina, faced a similar fate – the small home finished and hidden among skyscrapers on Wilmington and Fayetteville Street. It serves as an example of a piece of Black history that has been 'hidden' by nearby development.

"Shaw University is one of the oldest HBCUs in the country. We advocate for alternative solutions to gentrification and support efforts to preserve the university's history and its surrounding area. Shaw is not just a physical space, but a cultural and historical landmark that should be protected and respected," said Eugene Myrick, co-founder of Save Our Shaw.

The land around Shaw is currently zoned for 12 stories, according to Myrick. He questions why the city would consider that kind of large leap in building heights, especially with no step-back or buffer around the older buildings,

"City Council just shut down a 30-story building in Sleepy Hollow," he said. "If you can shut down a 30-story building on the white side of town, you can shut down multiple 30-story buildings on the Black side of town. All we're saying is, be fair."

While some believe rezoning the campus will erase its history, others say it’s a great opportunity to update campus amenities.

Myrick says they hope to "support modernization without commercialization, while preventing the potential displacement of long-time residents."

Historian and author Carmen Cauthen shared the important history of Shaw University at the rally.

"I grew up with Shaw University right beside my father's drugstore," said Raleigh historian and author Carmen Cauthen. "We aren't against rezoning. We are against not knowing what's going on."

At noon, participants will march around the perimeter of Shaw's campus, beginning at Wilmington and South St. You can learn more about Save Our Shaw on their website.

"If you are Black, your history is part of our history. If you are white, part of your history is our history," said Cauthen. "If you live in America, your history is our history. We don't want to lose Shaw."