Memorial Wall Future Uncertain

During the aftermath of Sept. 11, a black wall served as the slate on which the UNC community could express its feelings, opinions and sentiments. Despite its tremendous impact, the wall was put into storage last October, where it has remained ever since.

"There was clearly no energy to resurrect the wall," said Amy Brannock, director of Arts Carolina. "The arts community didn't feel compelled to go back to reopen the grief or incite further outrage but to move forward."

The Arts Carolina steering committee discussed what was to become of the wall. Ideas ranged from permanently displaying it at an undecided location to ceremoniously destroying it. No consensus concerning its future has been reached.

Members of the arts community drew up plans for the wall Sept. 13, and students in the Department of Dramatic Art and with Playmakers Repertory Company, constructed it Sept. 17. The wall was brought out to Polk Place -- for 24 hours, it stood untouched and unadorned.

The wall became the center of attention Sept. 19. That morning, members of the University's arts community gathered to properly introduce the symbol of tragedy with a program replete with song, poetry and speech.

"I think that it was a place for us to come together and to show a sense of community," said Barbara Matilsky, curator of exhibitions for the Ackland Art Museum. "And it's always easier to mourn when you're with your peers."

Students and faculty visited the wall to write their thoughts, to read others' comments or simply to reflect. Ray Dooley, chairman of the Department of Dramatic Art, remembered a pair of handprints left on one of the black panels.

"I think that they were eloquent in the human presence that they represented," he said. "(It was) something that was actually beyond language."

Sonja H. Stone Black Cultural Center Director Joseph Jordan, who had recently joined the faculty of UNC, said he was pleasantly surprised at the thoughtfulness he saw in what was written.

"I think that was the first event that demonstrated to me kind of the collective consciousness of the institution," he said.

On Oct. 11, President George W. Bush officially ended the period of mourning that had followed the attacks. That same day, Chapel Hill paid homage to its fire department. A number of the town's firefighters proceeded to help dismantle the wall, effectively closing a chapter of University life that was filled with painful reflection, humbling uncertainty and hopeful anticipation.

Since that point, the panels of the wall have stayed put as the community has struggled to move on while still remembering what inspired such an intense emotional response in the first place.

The Arts & Entertainment Editor can be reached at artsdesk@unc.edu.