149 African American achievements throughout Harding’s history. Greg Harris, the chair of the task force, stated, “Whether it’s statues, whether it’s the naming of buildings, whether it’s the naming of programs to start to honor some of our African American heritage here at Harding University.” Two major achievements of the task force that can be seen on campus are the monument in honor of Botham S. Jean and the Anthony Wright Administration Building. The memorial of Botham S. Jean includes a plaque with his image, unveiled at Harding University on September 29th, 2021, Jean’s 30th birthday. On October 23rd, 2021, the Administration Building was named the Anthony & Wright Administration Building in honor of Elijah Anthony and Howard Wright. Along with the renaming, monuments were created in front of the building to acknowledge the achievements of other former Black students, such as, the first to be admitted to Harding, J.C. Lewis Brown, Walter Cunningham and David Johnson, and the first to graduate with master’s degrees, Thelma Fae Smith and Curtis Sykes. Along with these wonderful additions to Harding’s campus, Harding currently has a “Commitment to Diversity” statement that reads as follows: Harding University is committed to being a diverse community of mission that demonstrates a Christ-like understanding and respect for all people, and that models and practices the reconciliation made possible by the gospel of Christ. There is also an office of Diversity Services dedicated to “work with the entire campus to create a climate of justice, to encourage access and equity at Harding, and to offer programs that educate the campus about diversity.” This office works closely with the Black Student Association (BSA) on campus. Statement from the Black Student Association The purpose of the BSA shall be to promote leadership, cultural awareness, understanding, and appreciation of Black cultures within the student body of Harding University and to enrich the lives of students on personal, academic, social, and spiritual levels. The BSA is open to any student in good standing who is enrolled at Harding University and who is interested in historical and contemporary issues concerning Black Americans and possesses or is interested in cultivating an appreciation for Black cultures around the world. The BSA does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation or membership or activity in a local commission as defined by law. Conclusion Harding University has definitely come a long way from its days of segregation, but it is important to note there is still progress to be made. Whether Benson’s speech reflected the entirety of his life or not, it still created a huge crack in Harding’s foundation. It is going to take more than grand, public gestures to fix the foundation of the matter at hand. Bringing in students from different backgrounds and ethnicities can create the appearance of a diverse environment, but intentional efforts and changes behind the scenes will create the feeling of a diverse environment. Written by PJ Welch Howard Wright and Elijah Anthony at commencement in graduation regalia. Photo courtesy of UCM Elijah Anthony and Howard Wright at the ceremony celebrating the renaming of the Administration Building in their honor. It is now known as the Anthony & Wright Building. Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery Friends and Family of Botham Jean and the Harding community gather for the unveiling of the memorial in his honor on Sep. 29, 2021. Photo from 2021-22 Petit Jean
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