Elihu Yale, the namesake of Yale University, is known for his notorious past as a slave trader. Born in Boston in 1649, Yale grew up in a society that profited greatly from the slave trade. He became involved in the East India Company and became the Governor of Fort St. George in India. During his time there, he amassed a significant fortune through his involvement in the slave trade. Yale’s wealth allowed him to become a renowned philanthropist and benefactor of educational institutions. However, it’s important to acknowledge the dark origin of his wealth and the suffering caused by his involvement in the slave trade.
Yale’s association with Yale University began when he made a substantial donation to the College of William and Mary in Virginia. In recognition of his generous contribution, the university was renamed Yale College in 1718. Over time, Yale College evolved into Yale University. This connection between Yale and the prestigious Ivy League institution has prompted discussions about the university’s ties to the slave trade and the ethical implications of honoring a slave trader.
In recent years, there have been efforts to address Yale’s connection to the slave trade and its impact on the university’s identity. The establishment of the Yale Slavery and Abolition Portal allows researchers and the public to explore the university’s historical ties to slavery. Additionally, initiatives like the renaming of Calhoun College, named after a prominent slavery advocate, to Grace Hopper College reflect a broader movement to reassess the symbols and figures associated with institutions of higher education.
The story of Elihu Yale serves as a reminder of the complex legacies and histories that underpin the prestigious institutions we admire today. While Yale University has made strides in acknowledging its connection to the slave trade, there is still much work to be done in reckoning with this dark chapter. By confronting and learning from the past, institutions can work towards a more inclusive and equitable future.
