A committee formed by Mayor Kasim Reed has discussed in three public meetings this month the fate of monuments, markers and street names in Atlanta with ties to the Confederacy.
At issue is whether they should be removed. Mayor Reed formed the group in the wake of the racially-charged violence in Charlottesville this summer.
The 11-member committee – made up of historians, civil rights and business leaders — is considering public input.
In an interview with WSB Radio, committee leaders said they are putting together recommendation to city leaders for structures such as the Peace Monument in Piedmont Park and the Peachtree Battle monument. At issue are the Jim Crow-era monuments about reconciliation between the north and south – without involvement of African-Americans.
As for street names, the committee will recommend several for changes, including Confederate Avenue, Robert E. Lee, and John B. Gordon. Another 30 or so are being tapped for additional review.
What the group is not recommending for removal – certain monuments and markers in Oakland Cemetery.
These are only recommendations, and a first step of a long process for possible change. Recommendations are due to Mayor Reed by Nov. 23.
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