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Clifton council approves “Welcome to Clifton, where Black Lives Matter” banner after mixed comments
Summary
At a June 11, 2020 emergency electronic meeting, the Clifton Town Council voted to hang a banner reading “Welcome to Clifton, where Black Lives Matter” over Main Street for 60 days at a cost up to $950 after residents and councilmembers debated whether the phrase endorses a national organization or a broader call for racial equality.
Clifton’s Town Council voted on June 11, 2020 to hang a banner reading “Welcome to Clifton, where Black Lives Matter” over Main Street, approving the measure by roll call with five votes in favor and one abstention. Councilmembers amended the motion to have the sign installed as soon as possible, displayed for 60 days, and procured at a cost not to exceed $950.
The decision followed public comment and an extended council discussion about whether the capitalized phrase refers to a national organization with a political platform or to a broader social-justice message. Mayor Bill Hollaway introduced the proposal and asked how the Town could state support clearly while avoiding unintended endorsement of an organizational platform he associated with demands such as defunding police. Councilmember Regan McDonald said she was concerned that some chapters and materials call to "defund the police" and other structural changes, while Councilmember Melissa Milne and several residents emphasized that many in the movement mean a call for racial equality rather than those more extreme positions.
Public commenters included Tim Wood, who said he wanted the Town to remain neutral and preferred a demonstration to an official banner, and Graham Milne, who urged a narrower reading of "defund the police" as reallocating certain expenditures toward mental-health and youth services. Vice Mayor Steve Effros described the capitalized phrase as shorthand in news coverage for broader social-justice concerns and said a local statement could signal recognition of privilege and urgency to act.
Councilmember Chase Hinderstein proposed the specific wording "Welcome to Clifton, where Black Lives Matter" as a way to avoid endorsing a national organization while making a local statement; Councilmember Darrell Poe moved the amended measure and Councilmember Melissa Milne seconded it. The motion passed on a roll-call vote: Hollaway—Aye; Effros—Aye; Poe—Aye; Milne—Aye; Hinderstein—Aye; McDonald—Abstained.
Councilmembers also discussed complementary actions: posting vetted community-education resources on the Town website and reviewing materials before public posting. Mayor Hollaway reported a separate suggestion from a resident to restore Chapel Street’s earlier name of Harris Street to recognize a Black family who once lived there; the Council said more information would be provided at a future meeting.
The Council approved the banner purchase up to $950, in black-and-white, and set a 60-day display period after which the Council will review the action. The emergency meeting adjourned at 8:38 p.m.
