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Human Rights Commission approves collaboration with NAACP on "Stopping Stones" history project
Summary
The commission voted to participate in the Stopping Stones project with the NAACP and local historical groups, agreeing to research Mansfield history, upgrade commemorative stones (artist-made stones estimated at about $500 each) and forward a proposal and cost estimate to town staff for approval.
The Mansfield Human Rights Commission voted to collaborate with the NAACP and local historical partners on an expansion of the "Stopping Stones" project, an adult-focused history-research initiative tied to witness/stones already used in schools.
The Chair described meetings with the NAACP and said the project would research and surface historically marginalized local histories; one objective is to upgrade or replace weathered library stones and to produce an artist-crafted stopping stone that conveys local context. The group discussed partnerships with the historic society, Joshua's Trust and other town stakeholders, and the Chair said the project will require a formal proposal to town staff (Ryan) with estimated costs and scope.
Commission members discussed the archival challenges: some older records describe enslaved people as "servants," and the research will involve careful interpretation and community engagement. The commission heard an approximate artist quote of about $500 per stone but noted that vendor/vendor-registration and procurement steps will be required.
The commission voted to be involved with the project and tasked the Chair to prepare a written request to town staff asking for approval to proceed and for guidance on budget/contracting. "We'll need to present this to Ryan for approval with estimated cost," the Chair said. Members agreed to support outreach and volunteering for research and event logistics.
