I agree with those, such as the Defenders for Justice, Freedom, and Equality, who have been campaigning for several years that the slave district in its entirety must be preserved as a memorial park. This is not the place for commercial or residential development. It is a land of sorrows, a sacred site.

It also should be a place of beauty — with trees, grass, and water. We need to let Shockoe Creek run free once again to the James River. Yes, this place is a flood zone and would require imaginative and expensive engineering. But there were plans not long ago that called for major redevelopment and the costs associated with flood control would have been far more expensive. But more important than keeping down costs is lifting up the human spirit.

We’re at a major crossroads and Richmonders must decide what direction to take. We can aspire to become a great city with a growing population, top rankings, and an inviting culture. We also could choose another direction. What if we sought to be a good city, one that is inclusive and caring, where we are courageous enough to tell the truth about what happened here, and committed enough to build a community of forgiveness and reconciliation?