From time to time, I’m going to offer some stories about creative resisters here in the South. These are people I’ve actually met or assisted in some small way through my work on Confederate monuments. I’ve spoken to numerous community groups and a few years ago I gave a talk at the invitation of the Randolph County Chapter of the NAACP in Asheboro, North Carolina.
UPDATE: Both the president and an active member of this chapter of the NAACP wrote to me. Here’s what they said:
An exciting update on this story from a member of the creative resistance. “It is truly a labor of love by a very diverse group of Asheboro citizens. This year the NAACP created a new memorial banner adding over 400 names! It now lists 1620 enslaved souls and the research continues. We also have volunteer storytellers to share their stories with visitors. It lifts our hearts to hear your comments! Thank you! Folks can go to slavedeeds.org to see more.”
While they were understandably upset about the local government’s investment to “protect” the Confederate monument in their community, were creative in their response.1 Chapter members, who were a multiracial coalition, created an amazing project that provided a different conversation about the history of the place where they lived. I was blown away by the “Say Their Names” memorial and wanted to share their story.
1Randolph County spent $37,000 for a fence around the Confederate monument. I mistakenly refer to the amount of $34,000 in the video.
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