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.
Why George Floyd? Why not black members of our community who have made a difference? Why not people who changed Wayne County? Why not people who work in Wayne County for the good of our population? I love that we are honoring our minorities. However, I think we should honor OUR minorities. We should recognize the difference they made. For example, Doctor Hayes made a huge contribution to Wayne County. He was a black surgeon who treated the community and made a difference in WAYNE COUNTY. He saved lives, he was a pioneer.
Honor our black leaders, please. All this action does is make us followers. We have black LEADERS who should be recognized.
Brandi and Antonio ,,, together have the IQ of a mole,, she’s the typical angry millennial, and he’s just a loser!!!
Totally agree with previous author “Let’s do it right!!”
Why George Floyd..? To Intentionally put your knee on another human being neck to purposely cut off their breath with your hands in your pockets while smiling for the video is Evil ..To Intentionally kill anyone because of the color of their skin Is outrageously Evil period..George death woke up the world to everyday racism,double standards in the Criminal justice system,intentionally mistreatment, profiling towards people of color ,other races and other social issues..Never have I ever witnessed the outrage of people of All Races ALL OVER THE WORLD PROTEST THE DEATH OF KILLING ANOTHER BLACK MAN BY COPS ..Imagine all the killings we haven’t seen..THEN IMAGINE IT BEING YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER…! Witnessing this terrible murder has made it A PART OF HISTORY FOR CHANGE AND ACCOUNTABILITY.!!!