Press release from Buncombe County
In order to move forward, we have to confront uncomfortable truths from our past. The Buncombe Community Remembrance Project aims to honor and commemorate Black Buncombe County residents by acknowledging racial violence stemming from the Jim Crow era that included three known lynchings in our community. However, there were likely more lives lost to racially motivated violence that we’ll never know about or have the chance to recognize and honor.
To pay tribute to victims of racial violence, Buncombe County invites you to the Community Remembrance Project Historical Markers’ installation ceremony.
What: Buncombe Community Remembrance Project Historical Markers Installation Ceremony
When: Saturday, Oct. 30 at 10 a.m.
Where: Pack Square Park, 121 College St., Asheville
This installation is part of the County’s partnership with the Equal Justice Initiative’s (EJI) Historical Marker Project that collaborates with communities to memorialize documented victims of racial violence that occurred from 1877-1950, as well as to foster meaningful dialogue about race and justice.
The Installation Ceremony program will include:
· Inspirational Music
· Project history
· Greetings from local officials and EJI representatives
· Recognition of BCRP’s steering committee and workgroup members
· Recognition of EJI essay winners
· Recognition of funders
· Unveilings of the historical markers at site locations for Mr. Bob Brackett, Mr. Hezekiah Rankin, and Mr. John Humphries
The Installation Ceremony is free and open to the public. Free parking is available at the City of Asheville’s Public Works’ parking lots located at Eagle and South Charlotte, Valley Street, and Margie Street. Pack Square Park is located at 121 College St.
The historical markers’ locations are as follows:
· Mr. John Humphries, College and South Spruce Streets
· Mr. Bob Brackett, Triangle Park 58, South Market Street
· Mr. Hezekiah Rankin, 7 Emma Road (Participants will have to drive to this location near New Belgium Brewing)
You can learn more about educational programming, reconciliation events and other parts of this multifaceted initiative here.
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