There are two primary ethical challenges which arise in memorializing Elma Lewis:

Including the numerous relevant stakeholders in the process of deliberating, approving, and executing the memorial plan and design, as well as the text on the commemorative plaque. 

Through her work and activism, Elma Lewis impacted hundreds of lives in a very direct manner. She was an educator, community leader, institution builder, and advocate. She was deeply involved in the Roxbury community, specifically, adding her voice to the crowd whenever there was a need to bring attention to discrimination or police brutality. More broadly, her work with ELSFA, NCAAA(M), and the Playhouse-in-the-Park was influential in the lives of Black Bostonians more broadly, as she created opportunities for them to learn, share, and celebrate their culture and accomplishments. 

Lewis's legacy is carried on by those who continue to administer and participate in her professional organizations. She was also personally and professionally affiliated with students, colleagues, local businessmen, politicians, community members, families, and more. When considering the possible stakeholders in a memorial to Elma Lewis that intends to holistically commemorate her lifetime of contributions, one must be prepared to cast a wide net.

Being an ally and recognizing one's positionality

Elma Lewis was a Black woman, born of immigrant parents, living in Boston in the 20th century. During her life, she experienced systemic discrimination and oppressive racism, against which she fought with everything she did and created. Personally, I am a Hispanic woman living in the 21st century. I do not share the experiences nor many of the identity-markers of Elma Lewis. It is imperative for me, personally, to be aware of the ways in which Elma Lewis's story and my own differ, so I can be an appropriate and aware ally to her story. 

Further, it would be important for others involved in this project of memorialization to recognize their own positionality relative to Lewis's. It is also necessary to remember that the goal of this project of memorialization is to allow Elma Lewis's life and message to shine through, rather than the message of the project-creators. Rather than speaking through Lewis or projecting any message onto her posthumously, this memorial is intended to celebrate and honor the efforts to which Lewis dedicated her life.