Governor McCrory Encourages Participation in Public Hearings on African American Monument at State Capitol | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Raleigh, N.C.     Governor Pat McCrory is inviting the public to four hearings in March to provide feedback concerning a new monument on the State Capitol grounds in Raleigh dedicated to commemorating the achievements of African Americans. The sessions will take place over the course of four Tuesdays in Greensboro, Charlotte, Rocky Mount and Fayetteville.

    "I can't think of a more appropriate way to recognize the contributions of African Americans to North Carolina's history than a monument at the State Capitol," said Governor McCrory. "I encourage North Carolinians to actively participate in dialogue about key considerations and thematic elements for this important monument."

    In October, Governor McCrory announced that his recommendation to construct an African American monument at the Capitol was endorsed by the North Carolina Historical Commission and the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission. This endorsement to welcome additional monuments on the grounds came only after careful deliberation. For twenty-five years the state observed a moratorium on additional statuary at the Capitol. However, at the direction of the governor and Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Susan Kluttz, a study group found that the moratorium should be lifted for this express purpose.

    "African-Americans and our entire state deserve this recognition on the Capitol grounds," said Secretary Kluttz. "I am proud that our governor took the lead in this long overdue initiative and am thrilled we are moving forward quickly to involve more voices."

    The precise location, materials, size and scale of a proposed monument will be key considerations during public hearings, as well as what thematic elements should be incorporated.

    The public hearings will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at the following locations:

• March 1 at the International Civil Rights Center and Museum, 134 South Elm Street in Greensboro;
• March 8 at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American + Culture, 551 South Tryon Street in Charlotte;
• March 22 at the Braswell Memorial Library, 727 North Grace Street in Rocky Mount;
• March 29, at the Shaw Auditorium at Fayetteville State University, 1200 Murchison Road in Fayetteville.

    Individuals or groups wishing to voice opinions or support for the new monument are invited to the four public hearings or can contact the Deputy Secretary of Natural and Cultural Resources Kevin Cherry at (919) 807-7280 or mailing address 4610 MSC, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-4610.

• Contact: Crystal Feldman
•     govpress@nc.gov