By Briasia Russ

Virginia State University recently announced the removal of four buildings and their new names. Progress Index reported that VSU said the current names of the buildings “do not reflect the rich heritage and spirit of the Virginia State.”  

VSUs President Dr. Makola Abdullah believes that the change of the building’s names better reflected who they are. With the renaming committee being made up of the university’s historian, faculty, and staff, the renames will consist of the names of Black women that were integral to the university.  

One of the oldest buildings on campus will be named Lula Johnson Hall, previously known as Vawter Hall. Lula Johnson was the first woman to graduate with a collegiate degree from a state-supported institution.  

“When we start talking about diversity and inclusion; when we talk about Black Girl Magic or Black Lives Matter, we’re talking about the history of that,” said Abdullah. “Johnson represents that history, as far back again as the 1890s.” 

Previously known as Trinkle Hall, the building is now named Johnella Jackson Hall, inspired by the former governor who wrote the music to the VSU alma mater. Another building previously known as Harry Bryd, is renamed after Otelia Howard. She is the former professor and advisor on the university’s campus.  

“Today, we’re able to honor four giants in the history of Virginia State University,” said Abdullah. “It gives us an opportunity as Virginia State University to have a sense of self-determination to change names on buildings to more accurately reflect who we are, and where we’ve come from.”