Our Initiative to Denounce "Eternal Vigil's" Racist Dedication Speech
Project Say Something initiated its collaboration with the Florence City Council December 2023, regarding the installation of a marker denouncing the racist dedication speech tied to the "Eternal Vigil" Confederate monument. A speech in which the Black citizens of Florence were referred to as a "mongrel race." Our goal was aimed to address historical injustices and promote truth and reconciliation within the community. Over several months, PSS engaged in discussions with council members, collaborated on the marker's verbiage, and garnered community support for the project.
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However, despite these efforts and assurances from some council members, the City Council ultimately voted against the marker's approval. This decision, particularly the inconsistency demonstrated by Councilman Dick Jordan, who initially supported the marker but then voted against it, and the absence of several council members during the vote, has left PSS and the community feeling disappointed and betrayed.
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This outcome is a significant setback in the ongoing struggle for racial justice and historical accuracy in Florence. The City Council's actions not only contradict their previous commitments but also undermine the trust and collaboration between PSS and the council. Despite this setback, PSS remains resolute in its mission to confront systemic racism and advocate for equity and inclusion within the community.
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Though our marker will not be displayed physically in Florence, we feel it is vital to continue to say something. Below you will find the original verbiage for the marker we worked so tirelessly to erect, created entirely by Project Say Something staff, board, and community supporters.
Proposed Verbiage by Project Say Something for the Marker:
The City of Florence Denounces Racism and Confederate Monuments
​Following the defeat of the South in the Civil War, the violent white terrorism of Black people quickly spread as a form of resistance to equal rights. In 1903 Dr. H.A. Moody delivered the dedication speech for the Confederate monument located here at the Lauderdale County Courthouse entitled “Eternal Vigil”. In this speech, Moody said “nowhere here [are Black people] accorded social equality”. He also referred to Black people as the “mongrel race”.
We understand that Confederate monuments were erected to memorialize the men who fought for the South in the Civil War. However, we know the cause was to defend the institution of slavery. We also understand that this confederate monument was erected 38 years after the end of the Civil War as an attempt to instill fear and hopelessness into Black Lauderdale county citizens. The decision to place a Confederate monument at a courthouse reiterates the belief that not only should Black people never be socially equal, they should never be equal under law. We strongly denounce the confederate monument, “Eternal Vigil”, and the racist language from its dedication speech.
Never again will we silence the voices of Black citizens advocating for their rights
Never again will the people of Florence, AL utilize racist tools of intimidation as a means to oppress the value of it’s Black citizens
Never again will the city of Florence memorialize white supremacy in public spaces
Never will Florence, AL LIE about what the confederacy represents
Never again, will the people of Florence,AL choose dehumanization and bigotry to intimidate Black citizens.
The Lauderdale County Confederate Monument does not reflect the beliefs and values of the Florence, AL community.
Back of Marker
The City of Florence stands strong and disapproves of any social injustice and oppression to our fellow citizens. We do not promote violence or any form of hate towards mankind. As leaders in our community, we encourage all to live as peacemakers, as we continue to embrace and evolve in helping to bring change to humanity in a more inclusive era.
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In loving, living memory of the enslaved people sold in Florence, AL
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REDICK, EDY, SYNTHA, JIM, SARY ANN, WINNEY, DICK, MARY, HENRY, SAM, ANJALINE, JOHN, POPE, JOHN, JOURNEY, VINA, LEE, LOUCINDA, TIGUE, DILSA, PEGGY, MOSES, POLLARD, ISAAC, JOHN, KITT, SUSAN, MANDA, LOUISA, CHARLOTTE, FRANK,JANE, JINNEY, ALFRED, AND GREENE, ESTHER, SANDFORD, LEVI, DANIEL, ROBIN, and MAC, CURRIER and FINISHER, TWNETY INDIVIDUALS enslaved by Mary A. Moffet, HANNAH, MAN ABOUT 23 YEARS OF AGE (a first rate waggoner and a good field hand), YOUNG WOMAN WITH 4 CHILDREN (ALL BOYS), LIKELY BLACK WOMAN (good Cook, Washer and Ironer), ALLEN, DOLLY, NANCY, MOSES, RANDAL, MATILDA, ADELINE, ALEXANDER; CHARLES, ANTHONY; MARY; HARRIET, DANIEL, VINA, ENOCH, and MARINDA, GRACE, BECKY, JULIA, LAURA, JAKE, ELEVEN INDIVIDUALS enslaved by Geo. Roach, JUNE, EMELINE, JOSEPH, JAMES, CHRISTOPHER, BLACK BOY enslaved by T.W. Young, EPHRAIM, NINETEEN INDIVIDUALS enslaved by Letita Sloss, FOURTEEN LIKELY BLACK INDIVIDUALS enslaved by James Whitehead, HARVEY, RACHEL, ALECK, MARY, SANDY, RICHARD, MARTHA, SUSAN, JIM, WALKER, PARALEE, CHANEY ANN, NARCISSA, CHARLOTTE, LOTTY, ANNE, ROBERT, ALECK BILL, MARTHA, ISAAC, FANNY, CHARLES, RACHEL, MARGARET, KESIA,
SALLIE, JOHNNY, and BECKY, CLARA, LIBERTY, RUBEN, WASH, MAT, PALER, MANDY, TEN ENSLAVED INDIVIDUALS enslaved by William Fuqua, TWO INDIVIDUALS enslaved by Z.P. Morrison.
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May you never be forgotten.
TIMELINE
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2017
June 2017
Camille Bennett, founder of Project Say Something, speaks at a Pride Festival in Florence. The Ku Klux Klan is present in full regalia, heckles Camille while she speaks to the large crowd of attendees.
August 12, 2017
Violence in Charlottesville, Virginia provokes a nationwide reexamination of Confederate monuments and symbolism.
August 14, 2017
Camille Bennett, founder of Project Say Something, announces the launch of a campaign to promote erecting an inclusive version of history through another monument at the Lauderdale County Courthouse
2018
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May 1, 2018
The Florence City Council passed a resolution condemning hate crime and "any other form of racism, religious or ethnic bias, discrimination, incitement to violence, or animus targeting a minority in our community.” Does not mention the monument
September 17, 2018
Proposed monument of Dred and Harriet Scott released to the media.
December 13, 2018
Project Say Something addresses the Lauderdale County Commission about the proposed monument
2019
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Lauderdale County Commission declines Project Say Something’s request to allow a Dred and Harriet Scott monument at the courthouse
PSS continues to educate and advocate for the community throughout 2019.
2020
May 25, 2020
George Floyd is murdered by Minneapolis police officers
Protests against police brutality and white supremacy erupt throughout the nation and world
June 2, 2020
PSS calls for the removal and relocation of the confederate monument at the Lauderdale County Courthouse
PSS protests for 29 consecutive weeks
July 2020
Three Lauderdale County residents filed a lawsuit calling for an injunction to preserve the Confederate monument's location in front of the Lauderdale County Courthouse.
September 12, 2020
After 14 weeks of nonviolent protests, the Florence Police Department creates free speech zones overnight to keep Project Say Something away from downtown. An Italian restaurant builds wooden walls around their entrance to keep protesters far away.
November 2020
On Twitter, Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill suggests there is a “war on whites”. Singles out Project Say Something’s founder, Camille Bennett, through a retweet
Black activists host a press conference at the capitol expressing their disapproval of John Merrill and his comments.
2021
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January 8, 2021
PSS resumes protesting at the confederate monument
March 12, 2021
Project Say Something: 501(c)(4) is announced to operate alongside Project Say Something 501(c)(3), allowing for lobbying and political activity.
April 27, 2021
Southern Poverty Law Center launches its anti-confederate billboard campaign in Florence, AL
May 11, 2021
Project Say Something forms the Confederate Monument Abolition Coalition. Joining forces Black women organizers from Albertville, Athens, and Gadsden.
May 28, 2021
Reuters publishes an article in collaboration with Project Say Something
September 7, 2021
Project Say Something announces they are filing an amicus brief for a lawsuit filed to keep the confederate monument in place.
2022
January 2022
Alabama Moves Coalition is formed to fight against anti-protest bills
February 2, 2022
Rally at the statehouse against anti-protesting bill
February 18, 2022
Court hearing regarding monument lawsuit
April 19, 2022
ACLU and the First Amendment Clinic at Duke University of Law have filed suit against police chief Ron Tyler and the City of Florence for a blatant violation of first amendment rights
2023
September 2023
PSS announces they want to attempt to partner with the city of Florence for a historical marker again
2024
May 7, 2024
Florence City Council votes against the historical marker they collaborated with PSS to create. Dick Jordan, Blake Edwards, and Jimmy Oliver voted against the marker, Bill Griffin was absent, Katrina SImmons and Michelle Eubanks voted yes
May 9, 2024
PSS launches email campaign urging the community to demand the Florence City Council re-votes on historical marker when all council members are present.
For Press, Contact:
Camille Bennett,
Founder and Executive Director
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Ky Ransom-Davis,
Director of Communications
(256) 415-0104 | Camille Bennett
(404) 202-3698 | Ky Ransom-Davis