Minutes 07/28/2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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July 28, 2020 Now, weeks later, with the opportunity to write our opinions on this city structure, I am including a letter from my 8 year old son, a student at Park View Elementary. We have discussed the history of the city’s statue at length, but more importantly, have discussed the symbolism of the statue and how it makes people feel. My children are part of a generation that will grow up with an awareness of diversity unlike any before. Teaching them to respect and empathize with those around them is our family’s goal. As a former high school history teacher, I know the context of the city’s Confederate Monument - the oppressive messaging it delivers; the century of racist legislation that followed its construction; the years of hurt inflicted on generations of our black residents and visitors. Virginia played an important role in founding our nation’s democracy. Sadly, the Civil War and Jim Crow era set the state on a path that detracted from it’s early progressive tradition. Taking down Confederate Monuments, like ours, is an important step in showing Virginia is a leader in the 21st Century and that our modern day values prevail. My husband and I have owned a home in Portsmouth for ten years. People criticize this city because it has historically struggled with issues of race. What we see, however, is a city that is learning about its past and is now listening to more voices. Listening and learning is how we do better. We encourage you to remove this monument. Kathryn Bryant 351 Middle Street 21. Voicemail "Hi, my name is Alicia Cousins CEO, you assign an excuse me. I live at 360 Washington Street. I'm calling in reference to the Confederate monument, I believe it should be relocated. Thank you." 22. Your Voicemail "I'm calling about the Confederate monuments removal given its states. I earlier, was flavor it of it being contextualize. But it's no longer possible to use it for learning purposes. So it should be, in my view, demolished, it was and remains a disgraceful perversion of the History of Portsmouth and the Civil War. So, get rid of it. Thank you." 23. As a member of the Portsmouth community, I am writing to request that the confederate monument on Court Street in Downtown Portsmouth be removed immediately. In it's place, I recommend that a civil rights museum be erected in Portsmouth to discuss the brutality of our civil war and the injustice (slavery) that was overturned as a result of the war. The history of the confederate and the union armies can be told within the context of this newly erected civil rights museum. Thank you for your consideration on this incredibly salient issue. Creating a culture of kindness and inclusion in our local Portsmouth community has never been more important. I would greatly appreciate your reflection and leadership in this regard. Christine K. Morioka 356 Court St 24. Voicemail "This is a call from Cynthia Donovan. My contact number is my home number is (757) 967-9315 is concerning moving the monument. I vote no, we don't move it. I vote that you also have Senator Lucas pay for having it restored since she is the one that incited the riot, the destroyed it. Cynthia Donovan, 967-9315." 25. I urge Council to remove the monument on Court Street. It does not belong in Portsmouth. Debra L. Moore, 4208 Meadowview Rd