Descendant groups press council to restore Court Square auction‑block sign; request March vote

CHARLOTTESVILLE — Members of descendant groups and the Enslavement Memory Group urged Charlottesville City Council to restore a historic auction‑block marker at Court Square and asked that the council schedule a definitive vote in March.

Richard Allen said he delivered replies from descendant groups and emphasized broad support for restoring a traditional sign. He presented suggested wording supplied by the Jefferson School and asked council leadership to place a yes/no vote on the council agenda.

Speakers including Paul Mack and Heidi Bertu outlined historical evidence about auctions and local slave trade activity in the 19th century and described the removals and relocations of the original stone auction block and earlier signage. Paul Mack asked the council to approve wording such as “site of auction block of enslaved persons” and to add plantings or a memorial urn to accompany a restored sign.

Colonel Robert Guest and other long‑time members of the community said they had submitted lists of descendants and sought prompt action, noting that many group members are elderly and that the city had previously authorized a 1962 sign that was later removed in 2002. Several speakers offered to establish a fund to cover restoration costs so the city budget would not be burdened.

Council did not vote on the request during the meeting; petitioners asked for a March calendar item so council can consider a restoration vote at an upcoming meeting.