Council: Floyd mural? Yes. Reparations? No.

The Goldsboro City Council approved the installation of a George Floyd mural at the T.C. Coley Community Center, but dismissed a reparations resolution introduced earlier this month by former councilman and mayoral candidate Bevan Foster.

The mural, which was unanimously approved Monday evening, was described as a “sad reminder of a period of injustice in America,” an educational opportunity for the community, an inspiration to young black residents and something that could draw traffic to the area. The project will be completed by artist Larry Herring.

The reparations resolution, however, was more controversial.

Bill Broadaway voted no because he characterized it as a “plagiarized” document that was nothing more than a political stunt by Foster, who is facing a formidable write-in challenger in the upcoming election for the District 3 seat on the Wayne County Board of Commissioners.

David Ham had a problem with the fact that it did not address issues specific to Goldsboro.

And Mayor Chuck Allen, while recognizing the need to do something to move the cause of social justice forward, determined forming a commission on race relations was more beneficial to the community than a resolution he felt would have little to no impact.

Here is the resolution that was defeated 4-3:

In other business, the council also voted down another attempt by Councilman Antonio Williams and Councilwoman Brandi Matthews to censure Allen for banging the gavel and ending a June meeting before Ms. Matthews was done delivering her closing remarks.