September 1, 2020
To the Lafayette County Supervisors and Board of Aldermen,
I am writing this letter in regard to the unanimous decision voted upon to keep the Confederate Monument that’s erected south of the Lafayette County Courthouse in Oxford, MS in its current location. This decision has brought great concern to I, myself as well as other Black minority residents of Lafayette County. We deem this monument as offensive due to the Confederates fighting a Civil War against the Union Soldiers for four years in order to uphold white supremacy to keep the Black slaves held in captivity. Why should the Black citizens be reminded daily of a monument that symbolizes hate and racism centered in the heart of town as we drive around the Square? Was there much thought or consideration given at all? Shouldn’t we be moving forward in exemplifying transparency within the community instead of division?
I am a MS state leader of a very prominent human rights organization which brings about various changes not only in Lafayette County but also in states across the country. I also brought the Black Lives Matter Movement to Oxford by holding the very first rally and march to help combat racial inequality and disparities against minorities. Therefore, I am asking and requesting for the monument in front of the courthouse to be moved and relocated to a Confederate Cemetery or other remote location on behalf of myself as well as others in the community.
Sincerely,
Tracey Williams, Local Activist and Community Organizer