The Rooted Project

Telling the history of Villanova University based on facts not folklore.

[The Rooted Project @NovaRootedProj]

Visit our website https://t.co/Afog1QA7Ok to explore the impacts of slavery and indentured servitude within Villanova’s history. Learn about Villanova’s Black founders, William & Julia Moulden, and Villanova as a site of enslavement through Chloe, Jack, and George’s stories

[The Rooted Project @NovaRootedProj]

Happy Juneteenth! Today we celebrate our national progress toward equality and justice, and reflect on the history and impact of enslavement throughout the US. #Juneteenth2023

[The Rooted Project @NovaRootedProj]

Thanks again to @VillanovaDigLib and Dr. Tom Mogan! 4/4

[The Rooted Project @NovaRootedProj]

[Thread] In 1968 Villanova’s track team took a stand against racial injustice when they boycotted the New York Athletic Club’s indoor track meet hosted at the brand-new Madison Square Garden. 1/ @nova_unitas

[The Rooted Project @NovaRootedProj]

Led by team members Larry James and captain Dave Patrick, Villanova’s track team voted unanimously to join the boycott. As one of the best teams in the country, Villanova’s stand against racial injustice challenged the legitimacy of the meet and helped raise awareness. 3/

[The Rooted Project @NovaRootedProj]

Keep following to see how Black Villanovans used their growing numbers to organize for social justice on campus. Again thank you to Tom Mogan and @VillanovaDigLib for their support! #VillanovaBlackAlumni 9/9

[The Rooted Project @NovaRootedProj]

[THREAD] As Track began recruiting Black athletes, so too did the basketball team. Kenny Harrison became the first Black basketball player at Villanova during the 1956 season when he helped the freshman squad to a 15-2 season 1/ @NovaAthletics @NovaMBB @nova_unitas

[The Rooted Project @NovaRootedProj]

Between 1956-1969 at least 18 Black Villanovans were members of the men’s basketball team. As with the Track team, the inclusion of Black athletes on the court had positive outcomes for the success of the team as well as representation on campus. 8/

[The Rooted Project @NovaRootedProj]

Thank you to Dr. Tom Mogan, @VillanovaDigLib , and @FalveyLibrary's Black Villanova Oral History Project for their research and support! #VillanovaBlackAlumni @NovaAfricana @NovaAthletics @VillanovaAlumni 12/

[The Rooted Project @NovaRootedProj]

[THREAD] In the 1950s Black Villanovans made large impacts on campus. We recently discussed the efforts of the Interracial Club on campus in the 1940s. Today we’ll highlight Black student athletes on Villanova’s incredible Track and Field teams throughout the 1950s. 1/

[The Rooted Project @NovaRootedProj]

After graduating, Jenkins, Collymore, and other Black student athletes of this time returned to campus helping to institute better policies for Black Villanovans. Keep following along with our research to learn more about their efforts! 11/