Community Remembrance Project
Artist's conception based on a similar sign in Sarasota County
We are very pleased to report that on Tuesday, October 25th, 2022, the Board of Trustees of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota voted to approve a historical marker to be placed on our property, memorializing lynchings in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. This project was initiated by the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) led by Bryan Stephenson, who is the author of the book “Just Mercy.”
Some individuals have asked why this marker is placed here and not in the African American Community. Leading organizations in the African American Community asked if we would place this marker on our property. This request was an important factor that influenced the Board. It showed us that our partnerships over the years have built a trust where our Church is seen as an ally to the African American community. Lynchings are a source of great trauma for African Americans, and they are very well aware of their own history. There is difficulty in gaining permission for placement of markers in public spaces. The leaders of the African American Community felt that our location was ideal, as it provided easy access and parking for educational tours visiting the marker. As well, placement on church property is considered sacred space to hold such profound history.
Some individuals have asked why this marker is placed here and not in the African American Community. Leading organizations in the African American Community asked if we would place this marker on our property. This request was an important factor that influenced the Board. It showed us that our partnerships over the years have built a trust where our Church is seen as an ally to the African American community. Lynchings are a source of great trauma for African Americans, and they are very well aware of their own history. There is difficulty in gaining permission for placement of markers in public spaces. The leaders of the African American Community felt that our location was ideal, as it provided easy access and parking for educational tours visiting the marker. As well, placement on church property is considered sacred space to hold such profound history.
"...this should stand as a reminder and monument of what can happen when a community comes together and reconciles itself with its past while looking toward a brighter and more inclusive future." |
Why should we accept this marker? Support for racial justice and partnering with the Newtown community has long been an active part of the history of this Church. Our principles call for us to promote peace, liberty, and justice for all. Our partners in the community are asking us to help them educate the larger community about the history of lynching. We believe placing this historical marker on our property is a way to walk our talk and show solidarity with our partners in the African American Community. The memorial will most likely be erected in the southeast corner of our property along Fruitville Road. We are considering placing some benches near where the marker will be located.
Some have expressed concern that this marker increase risk for the Congregation. There is no way to gauge this. In one of the Board discussions, Rev. Wolin suggested we make our decision based on our values, not on our fears and the Board concurs.
We believe the marker will bring positive publicity to our Church, that it stands for our values, and will make the broader community aware of those values.
The honorable Charles E. Williams is a circuit judge for the 12th Judicial Circuit of Florida. He is a highly respected community leader who is usually found working behind the scenes to bring people together and advance projects that promote equity and help the arts and culture to flourish in Sarasota. Judge Williams was instrumental in bringing community partners together to form the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition and serves on the boards of Embracing our Differences, The Community Foundation of Sarasota County, The Boxser Diversity Initiative and the Board of Trustees for Florida Studio Theatre. He has been an eloquent advocate for bringing the Equal Justice Initiative's Community Remembrance Project to Sarasota. Upon hearing of the Board’s decision, he wrote:
"That is great news and please express my sincere appreciation to your congregation. When these acts of terror were done it was hoped then by the perpetrators that no one would care about them or would remember them. Your act of faith has proved them wrong and honored the memory of these victims. Instead of just a memorial about what happened this should stand as a reminder and monument of what can happen when a community comes together and reconciles itself with its past while looking toward a brighter and more inclusive future. I see this night as an uplifting moment in our community and could not be prouder.”
Rev. Jay Wolin
Bill Payton, President, Board of Trustees
Some have expressed concern that this marker increase risk for the Congregation. There is no way to gauge this. In one of the Board discussions, Rev. Wolin suggested we make our decision based on our values, not on our fears and the Board concurs.
We believe the marker will bring positive publicity to our Church, that it stands for our values, and will make the broader community aware of those values.
The honorable Charles E. Williams is a circuit judge for the 12th Judicial Circuit of Florida. He is a highly respected community leader who is usually found working behind the scenes to bring people together and advance projects that promote equity and help the arts and culture to flourish in Sarasota. Judge Williams was instrumental in bringing community partners together to form the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition and serves on the boards of Embracing our Differences, The Community Foundation of Sarasota County, The Boxser Diversity Initiative and the Board of Trustees for Florida Studio Theatre. He has been an eloquent advocate for bringing the Equal Justice Initiative's Community Remembrance Project to Sarasota. Upon hearing of the Board’s decision, he wrote:
"That is great news and please express my sincere appreciation to your congregation. When these acts of terror were done it was hoped then by the perpetrators that no one would care about them or would remember them. Your act of faith has proved them wrong and honored the memory of these victims. Instead of just a memorial about what happened this should stand as a reminder and monument of what can happen when a community comes together and reconciles itself with its past while looking toward a brighter and more inclusive future. I see this night as an uplifting moment in our community and could not be prouder.”
Rev. Jay Wolin
Bill Payton, President, Board of Trustees