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July 28, 2020 <br /> <br />The following comments were submitted by citizens for the July 28, 2020 Virtual City <br />Council meeting: <br /> <br />Public Hearing – Monument <br /> <br />1. I vote to have all confederate monuments and symbols removed from the city of <br />Portsmouth. <br /> Tramaine Walton <br /> 4500 Regent Drive, Portsmouth 23703 <br /> <br />2. My name is Bracey Parr. I am a resident of Cradock at 11 Afton Pkwy. <br />I believe that this monument should be REDESIGNED . We have amazing artists in our <br />Portsmouth Public Schools, particularly among the junior and senior classes, who, with <br />the mentorship of local Portsmouth artists and professors from TCC, can propose a <br />redesign of the current monument, incorporating the obelisk but remaking the base. <br />New figures that fought for civil rights may be added. Important persons from <br />Portsmouth's history may figure there. I would love to see our creative young folk, Black, <br />White, Brown and of any other race, tackle this issue. <br />Do not leave a scar in the middle of Downtown. Instead, heal this city through a creative <br />and inclusive process. <br /> <br />3. I was not in favor of moving an historic landmark. Now that it has been allowed to be <br />defaced, i think it should be moved & repaired. That monument has been there since <br />i can remember, 40's. I never thought of it anyway other than a monument to those <br />that died in war. The same as other wars America was part of. I do think the <br />confederate flag should not be displayed. Mainly because what some push it to be <br />today. All lives matter, GOD doesn't look at color but our souls. <br />Judith B Walker <br /> 3309 clover hill dr portsmouth 23703 <br /> <br />4. Does the monument have to be repaired? If so, who is paying for this? I believe those <br />responsible for the damage should cover the costs of repairs instead of Portsmouth <br />citizens who had nothing to do with the damage. Thank you <br />Thomas DuBois <br /> <br />5. Please remove the monument as soon as possible. Maybe you can relocate what’s <br />left of it but either way, please don’t delay. It’s presence is a horrific reminder of atrocities <br />that occurred at that site i. Our city! <br />Margaret (Maggi) Curry-Williams <br />3752 Lilac Drive <br /> <br />6. As a descendant of one of the Daughters of the Revolution that lived right here in <br />Portsmouth, Virginia, that monument had meaning to my family. <br /> <br />I understand the City Council is allowing comments regarding the future of the <br />monument. The monument must be repaired. It should remain at Court and High <br />Street, or be moved to the Confederate Cemetery, if the Sons and Daughters of the <br />Revolution agree. <br /> <br />Is it my duty as a concerned citizen or one of a tax paid city employee to research the <br />owners of the confederate monument? It's my understanding that the Daughters of the <br />Revolution headquarters office in Richmond, Virginia was burned during peaceful <br />protests and riots. However, they will respond to an email. <br />Deborah Luck <br />4505 Hunters Point Drive <br />Portsmouth, VA 23703 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />