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Orange County HRC approves non‑symmetrical stone to mark Blackwood Farms gravesite
Summary
The Orange County Human Relations Commission unanimously approved a non‑symmetrical commemorative stone for the Blackwood Farms gravesite, with completion expected in 4–6 weeks to align with a June 2026 ceremony; staff were assigned to confirm wording and manufacturing details.
The Orange County Human Relations Commission unanimously approved a non‑symmetrical commemorative stone to mark the Blackwood Farms gravesite, co‑chair Rhian Carreker‑Ford said during the commission's Jan. 27 meeting.
County staff presented three marker options and recommended next steps. Paul Slack, Chief Civil Rights Officer, and Courtney McLaughlin, Community Engagement & Outreach Coordinator, told commissioners the chosen stone is estimated to take four to six weeks to produce, which would allow installation in time for a June 2026 ceremony.
Commissioners discussed the wording that will appear on the marker; the commission will make a final decision on language at a future meeting. Ms. Carreker‑Ford moved to approve the non‑symmetrical stone; Commissioner Shane Lukas seconded the motion and the vote passed unanimously.
Slack was assigned to confirm two follow‑up items: obtain statement options on wording from Peter Sandbeck, the liaison to the Orange County Historical Preservation Committee in the Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks & Recreation, and confirm the manufacturer's character allowance for inscription. Both tasks are due by the next meeting.
The commission did not adopt final inscription language at the Jan. 27 meeting. The decision creates a timeline for staff to return to the commission with specific wording and manufacturing limits before installation.
