In 1955, a unique chapel arose at Brandeis University, a testament to a dissenting voice against segregation. The Harlan Chapel, named after Supreme Court Justice John Marshall Harlan, stands as a symbol of equality. Harlan was the sole dissenter in the infamous Plessy v. Ferguson case. This case upheld the “separate but equal” doctrine. This doctrine tragically shaped the Jim Crow era. The Harlan Chapel itself was born from a student protest. The original plan was for a single, interdenominational chapel. The Archdiocese of Boston objected. This led to a revised design. Three separate chapels were built, side by side, equal in size. The Harlan Chapel serves the Protestant community at Brandeis. It hosts Bible studies and occasional services. It’s a space where reflection and community intersect, a quiet reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality. The Harlan Chapel, a place of worship, carries with it the weight of history and the hope for a more inclusive future.
Rumney Marsh Burial Ground
A chill wind whispers through the aged headstones. This is Rumney Marsh Burial Ground. This historic cemetery dates back to