Compiled by Speakin’ Out News staff; Photo Credit: David Person
backgrounds, walked peacefully around the Madison County Courthouse with one goal in mind. To remove the Confederate monument in last week’s rally, July 14, 2020. (photo credit: David Person Media)
(HUNTSVILLE, AL) – – Today at 10 a.m., members of the Move the Monument campaign spoke to the Madison County Commission during its scheduled public meeting at the Madison County Courthouse. The speakers included members of the Rosa Parks Day Committee, the Tennessee Valley Progressive Alliance and other concerned individuals and organizations. After the commission meeting, members of these organizations spoke to the press on the courthouse steps adjacent to the Confederate monument. During the meeting, protestors marched around the courthouse, conducted by members of the previously mentioned organizations and other
supporters.
The movement has gained support over the last weeks from other influential leaders and organizations: Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, Rep. Laura Hall, Violet Edwards, newly elected Madison County Commissioner, District 6, Committee of 100, Downtown Huntsville Inc., the Historic Huntsville Foundation, and community faith leaders.
The Huntsville city council last month unanimously approved a resolution to relocate the monument to historic Maple Hill Cemetery.
However, removal efforts are stalling.
Alabama Memorial Preservation Act of 2017 states that “No architecturally significant building, memorial building, memorial street, or monument which is located on public property and has been so situated for 40 or more years may be relocated, removed, altered, renamed, or otherwise disturbed.” Those between 20 and 40 years old may only be disturbed in certain circumstances (waiver). Alabama law fines $25,000 to entities who move historical structures without the blessing of the monument committee. The cities of Birmingham and Mobile have paid those fines after removing Confederate monuments earlier this year.
The Madison County Commission unanimously voted June 10 to seek a waiver from the monument committee to move the monument. The resolution passed by the Madison County Commission requires approval from a state committee to move the monument.
The Tennessee Valley Progressive Alliance, a grassroots organization in Huntsville and surrounding areas of North Alabama and Southern Middle Tennessee openly expressed on Facebook: “We can save Madison County, Alabama-Government some time and say the Attorney General won’t grant permission either. Chairman Dale W. Strong should tell the Attorney General that the county is “breaking” the unjust 2017 law and will pay the fine. It’s that simple. Call a structural moving crew. Get it done. Then let us know how we can reimburse county taxpayers for this ridiculous fine. We have checkbook in hand.”
We believe the Madison County Commission can and should move the monument, & Frederick Whitlow, a local organizer, said to WAAY-31. Whitlow said to WAAY-31 that asking for the state’s permission instead of taking immediate action is injust. “Dr. King himself, he said immoral laws should be broken …,” he said.
“We all want the same thing,” Commissioner Phil Riddick said to AL.com, just before the vote. “We want to do it legally.”
