On Aug. 25, a now-deleted video was posted to Barstool ETSU, a non-ETSU affiliated account, of a woman immersing herself in the memorial fountain in Borchuck Plaza.
This video received a lot of attention on social media, specifically Instagram and YikYak, for being disrespectful toward the fountain’s representation and meaning.
While many have probably noticed the fountain in passing, they might not know or understand its significance.
In 1956, Eugene Caruthers became the first Black graduate student enrolled at East Tennessee State College, which is now considered East Tennessee State University. Two years later, Elizabeth Watkins Crawford, Clarence McKinney, George L. Nichols and Mary Luelle Owens enrolled as the first Black undergraduate students. These five students led to the desegregation of ETSU, and they were all graduates of Langston High School as well.
The memorial fountain was dedicated nearly 10 years ago, on March 25, 2013.
“These structures tell a story that began more than 50 years ago,” said Dr. Noland during his dedication speech from that day “It is a story of hope, a story of inspiration, and a story of bravery. It is a story of five men and women who dreamed of a greater tomorrow, and who saw higher education as the road to making their dreams possible.”
Additionally, the fountain was rededicated in 2016 where the honorees could pose with the fountain and were gifted an artistic rendition of it.
So, remember the work of those the fountain stands for when you pass by it this week. Remember that it is a symbol of hardship, courage and resilience.
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