NYC: The Legacy Today
The Wunsch Building today is an important resource for students and faculty. Foremost, it plays a role as a undergraduate admissions and Wasserman Center for Career Development office. This is fitting as it provides the NYU community with a foundation for each individual student, aligning their past experience for their future-to-come. Furthermore, it is commonly recognized as a historical landmark in the NYU community, albeit without the detail that can encapsulate its truly remarkable history.
During the period of the abolitionist movement, the Underground Railroad, and the movement towards freedom, there was a great deal of protestful acts that showcased the spirit of the individuals fighting for the cause. Books, illustrations, and engravings were some of the many forms of expression during this time. The socioeconomic and political environment was tense, but strength was brought to the public through these mediums to continue to fight for this cause.
For example, William Still wrote a novel that highlighted the nuances, difficulties, and unexplained circumstances that revolved around the Underground Railroad. Literary pieces such as this novel were important in moving large groups of people towards meaningful change. Similar to Uncle Tom's Cabin, novels such as The Underground Railroad meant to foster social change and activism. Like this novel, present day works are also to be considered. For example, in 1963, James Baldwin wrote The Fire Next Time, containing two powerful essays that gives a unique voice to slavery, the Civil Rights movement, segregation, and racism.
Drawings and illustrations as representations of the Underground Railroad began emerging during this time. These artistic pieces lasted throughout that time period and bled into our current world today. These artistic endeavors are symbolic measures taken to empower in the present and remember the past. Similar to literature, art also played a role in prompting activism. As a universal practice, its roots have been placed throughout history and throughout many mediums. As such, it was used as a fervent catalyst for social change as well through various time periods.
The sociopolitical climate of New York City has always been active in regards to fighting for empowerment, fighting against injustice, or fighting for marginalized communities. Peaceful protests have always been a part of the community and it is important to recognize that the Wunsch building as a stop on the Underground Railroad was a form of peaceful protest at that time. Today, we are able to emulate that in more traditional protests. Thus, it is important to remember our roots and to find strength in the foundational principles that the school was built on.