Hearth William & Mary

At the center of Hearth sits a cast-metal vessel—the symbolic heart of the memorial. Designed by Willian & Mary alumnus and artist William Sendor, the centerpiece references the hearth as a place of gathering, warmth, and purpose. Each piece was hand-formed and bears the physical fingerprints of the artist and project collaborators—leaving behind subtle impressions of collaboration, human touch, and the value of labor.

The brickwork uses engraved black bricks to carry the names of enslaved individuals. The pattern itself draws from royal Kente cloth—a traditional West African textile associated with leadership, honor, and cultural continuity. As the wall rises, engraved bricks give way to unmarked ones, suggesting a history still unfolding and names continuing to come into view over time.