#Takeemdown901
#Takeemdown901 aims to remove glorified confederate memorials from the public spaces of Memphis, TN prior to the 50th anniversary of Dr. King's murder so that everyone is welcome in our community.
Leader
Shannon Dixon
Location
Health Science Park and the Mississippi River Park Memphis, TN 38163
About the project
#Takeemdown901 aims to remove the glorified conferderate memorabilia from the public spaces of Memphis, TN prior to the 50th anniversary of Dr. King's murder. Our primary goal is to keep pressure on our elected officals and the TN Historical Commission to result in the removal of Nathan Bedford Forrest statue in the Health Science Park and the Jefferson Davis statue in the Mississippi River Park. This campaign is for supporters of this effort. If you are seeking understanding, please read the following articles:
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/20/opinion/confederate-statues-american-history.html
The Steps
Quiet Phase: We will make personal contact with supporters to raise initial funds prior to going public
Public Phase: We will broadcast the ioby link to all 350 supporters in the Takeemdown901 group and friends
Implementataion: There is a committee working on the art installation(s). They will submit a budget once they finalize the project and we will disburse the funds. Likewise, the Takeemdown901 leaders will determine validality of expenses and disburse funds as budgeted needs arise.
Why we‘re doing it
We should not glorify men who fought a war to maintain slavery. These men are dipicted in positions of honor, not simply as historic characters. These statues were erected to keep black Memphians subservant and fearful of white power. As a community, we get to choose how our public spaces look and feel. Our public spaces must invite everyone in.