HBCU Shaw University's Alumni Outcry Grows as Opposition to Rezoning Intensifies
|
Posted By: S. Moore on June 21, 2023 Shaw University, the first HBCU in the south, is seeking to rezone 27 acres of its downtown campus in Raleigh, North Carolina, while also asking for its property to be redesignated as a “Mixed Business District”. They are requesting to increase the existing heights of its buildings to 30 stories however, a campus plan has not been provided. Raleigh City Council was scheduled to vote on the matter in May, but delayed their decision; encouraging the university to have further engagement with concerned constituents as they called for more transparency. Dr. Paulette Dillard, president of Shaw, declined the invitation to have a virtual town hall with the 2,000+ petitioners who signed the letter in opposition to the campus rezoning at SaveOurShaw.org. Save Our Shaw, a community-based, grassroots coalition that was formed as a direct result of Shaw University’s rezoning request, hosted the “Citizens United Against Gentrification Rally” on Saturday, June 10th. The rally brought together alumni, community members, activists, and advocates in a powerful show of solidarity against displacement and gentrification. Participants marched around the perimeter of Shaw’s campus, demanding that city leaders and university administration prioritize the needs of the students, the community, and other stakeholders, over profit-driven development schemes. “We are thrilled with the turnout and the energy of the rally,” said coalition spokesperson and Shaw University alum Eugene Myrick. “Shaw is not just a physical space, but a cultural and historical landmark that should be protected AND respected. The Save Our Shaw coalition has been working to bring together community members, organizations, and other stakeholders to encourage collaboration that would support modernization without commercialization in addition to preventing the potential displacement of long-time residents in Southeast Raleigh.” “We will not stand idly by as our university and surrounding neighborhoods are destroyed by incompetent and absent Board of (dis)Trustee Members,” added Myrick. “We will continue to stand up and fight for justice and equality for Shaw University, current & future students as well as all of the members of our community.” The Save Our Shaw Coalition is committed to ongoing organizing and advocacy efforts to ensure that the city’s development policies prioritize the needs and well-being of Shaw University students and the surrounding community. City Council is scheduled to vote on Shaw’s rezoning request on June 20th at 1pm. They are asking those who truly understand the incredible significance of our HBCUs to immediately send an email voicing their opposition to the erasure of Black history to citycouncilmembers@raleighnc.gov SOURCE Black Enterprise If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest News
|
|
Marshall Faulk Puts P4 Programs on Alert After Flipping James Franklin Commit to HBCUMarshall Faulk didn’t walk into an easy situation at Southern, with them coming off a 2-10 season. The expectations from a first-time head coach stepping into a college game were lower. But Faulk kn ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 45 Views • January 24th, 2026 |
 |
Donate to The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste FoundationWe support nonprofits, innovators and community-based organizations that help:
Meet critical transportation needs for food banks and partner agencies.
Operate mobile pantry programs to improve f ...more
How May I Help You NC • 39 Views • January 24th, 2026 |
 |
RN Resident Virtual Info Session and Q&A With Providence - Feb 12th - Register Now!Join Providence's upcoming RN Resident Virtual Info Session and Q&A to learn more about roles available to new grad RNs, growth opportunities, what a day-in-the-life looks like and more! Thursday, Feb ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 179 Views • January 22nd, 2026 |
 |
Florida A&M University History on Display in New Smithsonian ExhibitionArtifacts from the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Meek-Eaton Black Archives are prominently featured in a powerful new exhibition at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Cu ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 115 Views • January 22nd, 2026 |
 |
University of the District of Columbia Announces Launch of School of Education and Learning SciencesThe University of the District of Columbia (UDC) today announced the launch of its new School of Education and Learning Sciences, a milestone that coincides with the university’s 175th anniversary c ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 153 Views • January 21st, 2026 |
Popular News
 |
North Carolina HBCU Unity DayShaw University - Elizabeth City State University - Johnson C. Smith University - Fayetteville State University - Livingstone College - North Carolina A&T State University - North Carolina Central Uni ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 103,430 Views • August 8th, 2016 |
