Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Historic Preservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Descendant groups, preservationists press council to restore slave-auction site marker at 0 Park Street
Summary
Descendant groups and preservation advocates told council they have documentation and community support to restore a slate plaque marking the slave auction block at 0 Park Street; speakers urged the council to place the item on the Aug. 17 agenda and vote.
Multiple speakers from the Court Square Enslavement Memorial Group and allied preservationists urged the city to restore a slate marker and to move the item onto the council agenda for a timely vote.
Jim McKinley Oates, speaking for the group, said descendant organizations have repeatedly requested restoration and provided petitions and letters supporting an immediate vote: "Please put this on your August 17 agenda and vote yes." The group provided signatures and said they will cover the cost of a lamppost-mounted plaque adjacent to East Jefferson Street.
Other commenters, including Heidi Divyabertu and Mike Henriette, cited historical sources and asked staff to confirm the auction block's provenance with Historic Preservation Officer Jeff Warner. Speakers said a slate wall marker installed in 1962 was removed in 2002 and that descendants have sought restoration for more than two decades. Several speakers urged the council not to delay and to confirm veracity with city staff so the item can be scheduled for the Aug. 17 agenda.
