[…] The all-black board voted unanimously to bring down the 110-year-old statue…

ALABAMA – A huge change may be on the way to Linn Park. Birmingham’s Parks and Recreation Board voted to remove a monument honoring confederate soldiers and sailors.

Pelham’s original Chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy no longer exists. Its gift to the city of Birmingham does. The chapter put a monument celebrating confederate soldiers and sailors in Linn Park in 1905.

“There is nothing offensive about these soldiers standing up for their rights. Just like those who fought for the civil rights. They fought for their rights. There is no flag on it to be offensive. It’s just a monument to war veterans,” said Birmingham Resident Ronald Hagood.

Hagood wants the monument to stay at Linn Park. He’s taking pictures to remember its rightful place.

Sarah Jackson never paid attention to the monument in her 67 years of living in Birmingham. She’s taking the time now to look and finds it offensive.

“Because I hear them talking about it now. They say it needs to come down,” said Jackson.

Birmingham’s Parks and Recreation Board agrees.

The all-black board voted unanimously to bring down the 110-year-old statue. Each member promises to work with area chapters of the Daughters of the Confederacy along the way.

“Well, I think it’s been handled properly. I think, at the end of the day, the Daughters of the Confederacy are entitled to reclaim their monument. I just don’t think it belongs in a public park in the city of Birmingham,” said NAACP Birmingham President Hezekiah Jackson.

Members of Parks and Recreation Board want the chapters to pay removal fees.

Commissioner Bernard Kincaid has a plan if the groups don’t.

“We’d have to employ the city to pay for it. The issue would be where does it go? We are trying to hopefully do it amicably, so those responsible for putting it there in the first place would be responsible for its removal and upkeep,” said Kincaid.

A spokesperson for the mayor’s office told ABC 33/40 late Wednesday afternoon a private group or organization expressed interest in taking the monument for placement at a private location. (read more)

Remember this? – Same place

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