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The discovery of relationships unknown, or hidden until a few years ago, between the founding of some of the most influential universities in the United States and the past of slavery in the country, has now affected the reputation of one of the most famous institutions in the world. and that it was in the focus of fighting the new coronavirus pandemic. According to research published Wednesday, the worthy 19th-century businessman Johns Hopkins, whose fortune created the university and hospital in his name, and who was still viewed as an abolitionist in his day, was a slave owner.
The documents proving Hopkins’ link to slavery were discovered in an investigation by the History department of the famous Maryland state university in the context of a project that aims to “examine the role played by racism and discrimination.” at its foundation, according to site official.
The documents in question, which refer to censuses from the mid-19th century, show that Hopkins had one slave in 1840 and four in 1850.
Until this week, the businessman and philanthropist was admired not only for the generosity with which he left his fortune to create hospitals, universities and orphanages, but also for his image as an abolitionist.
“Our investigations revealed that the story of Hopkins as Quaker and abolitionist was counted by descendants of slavers who freed their slaves, and was adopted after the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the university, ”said Martha S. Jones, professor of history and director of projects at Johns Hopkins University , in a published article. at Washington Post.
“In 1929, a great-niece and admirer [de Hopkins] he posted a series of memorabilia that erased his great-uncle’s role in slavery, ”said Martha S. Jones. “And 50 years later, at our centennial celebrations in 1976, the college magazine published a short biography of Hopkins that repeated the same half-truths.
Slave owner and abolitionist?
In statements to Washington Post, the president of Johns Hopkins University, Ronald J. Daniels, said that it is not in his plans to propose or discuss the possible replacement of the institution’s name: “For me, our obligation at this difficult time is to change our narrative, and not our name. “
“The fact that Hopkins had a direct link to slavery, a crime against humanity that tragically persisted in the state of Maryland until 1864, is, for us, a stark revelation. And we know that it will also be so for our community, at home and abroad, and especially for our students, teachers and other employees of the black community ”, said in a joint statement, Ronald J. Daniels and those responsible for the Hospital. Johns Hopkins, Paul B. Rothman, and Kevin W. Sowers.
In her op-ed, history professor Martha S. Jones notes that Johns Hopkins may even have been a critic of slavery while he was a slave owner. “My initial observations tell me that this was possible, and that it was even true for many people in the early days of America,” Jones said.
Among the instructions Hopkins left while alive for the use of his fortune was the construction of an orphanage for black children.
Among students, there is a mixture of disappointment with the new revelations and pride in the fact that the university is dealing with its past.
“It’s everywhere,” he told the Send the president of the student association, Sam Mollin, referring to the pictures with the figure of Hopkins that are distributed by the university. “We celebrate his birthday every year.”
Now, the logo of the student association may lose the image of the founder of the university. “Johns Hopkins was notorious for being abolitionist and it is disappointing to learn that this was not true. We don’t want a slave owner on our emblem, ”Mollin said.
