“The uh-oh moment came when the appointed commission, conspicuously lacking local architects or representatives from historic preservation, came back with an 11-1 suggestion of removal.”
Tag: vance monument
Showing 43-63 of 116 results
Letter: Repurposing monument would offer chance for learning, growth
“The repurposing of the Vance Monument would present an opportunity, not only for learning, but also to add yet another layer to the history and growth of this community.”
Moving the needle
Letter: Nothing to salvage in Vance Monument
“Please realize every day this statue remains intact is another day you’re not actively renouncing white supremacy.”
Letter: An excellent way to repurpose the obelisk
“If repurposing the obelisk can further balance our demonstrated duality, let’s go for it! Unity Tower sounds good and right.”
Letter: Mutually assured monument destruction
“But when we let frustration and fury drive us to demand retribution by destruction, we’ve moved beyond healing historic wounds to pushing the balance hard toward harm against others — and it’s bound to snap back as harm against us.”
Letter: City Council should focus on more urgent priorities
“I would have thought that it would be more advantageous for the City Council to redirect the resources and money that are being used on the street renaming and Vance monument removal projects to address more immediate issues caused by the pandemic.”
Can repurposing the Vance Monument help heal the divide in Asheville?
“We cannot avoid the hidden phantom side effects of the desecration of the monument, held so dear by so many.”
Campbell discusses next steps on Asheville street renaming, police budget
As Asheville takes steps to reckon with its long history of systemic racism and economic inequity, local business owners are wondering what impacts the city’s ambitious initiatives will have on them.
In 2020, readers sounded off about politics, COVID-19, race and more
“What issues did Xpress readers feel passionate enough about to write letters to the editor or commentaries during a year that promises to go down in history?”
Council votes 6-1 to proceed with Vance removal
On Dec. 8, Asheville City Council voted to move forward with the removal of the downtown obelisk, which memorializes Confederate Gov. Zebulon Vance. Sandra Kilgore was the only member in opposition.
Unanimous commission vote OKs Vance removal
Because the monument stands on city property, Asheville City Council will have the ultimate say; Council is expected to take that vote at its regular meeting on Dec. 8.
Council to vote on Vance removal Dec. 8
Mayor Esther Manheimer emailed Xpress the evening of Dec. 7 to say that Council was moving the Vance item from reports to new business, allowing for both public comment and a vote. She did not immediately respond to a request for clarification regarding the rationale behind that change.
Casting the first stone: The Gospel According to Jerry
“If we follow that logic, though, shouldn’t we also tear down Vance Elementary School rather than merely renaming it?”
Buncombe board to vote on Vance removal recommendation
On Monday, Dec. 7, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will decide whether to accept the recommendation of the Vance Monument Task Force, a body jointly appointed by the county and city of Asheville, to take down the downtown obelisk that memorializes Confederate Gov. Zebulon Vance.
Racial equity focus of recent city discussions
From the fate of the Vance Monument to a proposed affordable housing complex on land acquired through urban renewal, city officials move forward with longstanding projects.
Letter: Those who appreciate Vance will carry on his memory
“No matter how much you find the Vance Monument offensive, it is at least equally offensive to those who have an appreciation of Gov. Vance for the difficult job he had to do from 1862-65 to hold this man responsible for all problems of society, real or imagined.”
Vance Monument Task Force recommends removal
Members of the Vance Monument Task Force voted 11-1 on Nov. 19 to remove the monument from the center of downtown Asheville, marking an end to 12 weeks of intense public comment and community division.
How will Asheville’s new Council approach old priorities?
As newly elected Asheville City Council members Sandra Kilgore, Sage Turner and Kim Roney embark on a new chapter of civic leadership following a close race, they inherit controversial priorities from the outgoing Council that will likely dominate the first few months of their term.
Letter: Consider gay leaders and women in renaming push
“Why not rename the Vance Monument and the streets after prominent gay leaders who have supported and helped to grow Asheville into the vibrant city it is today?”