TITLE: Title
Approval of Truth Plaque Task Force’s Second Plaque - The Freedman’s School and St. Paul AME Church Land
PURPOSE: The purpose of this item is for the Town Council to approve of the final design and location for the Truth Plaque Task Force’s second plaque project related to the former Freedman School site and St. Paul AME Church Land.
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DEPARTMENT: Town Clerk
CONTACT INFORMATION: Cathy Dorando, 919-918-7309
INFORMATION: Tom Tucker, owner of Carolina Car Wash, approached the Town in 2018 regarding memorializing the land, where the car wash now sits, as the former Freedman School location. The Truth Plaque Task Force reviewed the request, drafted the marker text, and agreed upon the location for the marker. Several locations were considered but the location on the St. Paul AME Church side was the only site approved by NCDOT.
The land of the St. Paul AME Church and the Carolina Car Wash was once a single tract of land that was purchased by Green Cordal and Benjamin Craig so it is fitting that the marker be bestowed on the church side of the street.
Rev. Dr. Cousin, of St. Paul AME Church, and Tom Tucker, Carolina Car Wash, are in agreement of the proposed language and location.
The attached slides show the considered locations, final location, and the design of the plaque.
An unveiling ceremony will be planned and advertised in the future.
Members of the Truth Plaque Task Force are:
Terri Bucker, Co-Chair
Lillie Atwater, Co-Chair
Mae McLendon
Braxton Foushee
Richard Ellington
Nicholas Graham
Rani Dasi
Luis Atwater
Delores Clark
Charles Alston
Nate Davis
Council Member Gist, Liaison
FISCAL & STAFF IMPACT: The Town Council authorized $5,000 of funding for FY 20-21.
RECOMMENDATION:r It is recommended that the Town Council approve of the text and location.