Following the national news involving protests and Confederate statues, WBON-TV wanted to get the Madison county-wide perspective about civil war history and get answers on what kind of statues and memorials there are in our area (if any).
After talking to Director of Historic Parks and Properties Phillip Seyfrit about the Battle of Richmond and the memorials in northern Madison County, Marisa Hempel visited Berea College’s Campus to speak to Dr. Dwayne Mack, Professor of American and African American History.
Mack explained the formation of Berea College and the city of Berea, and how the area was founded by a abolitionist on anti-slavery principles, leading to the conclusion that there may not be statues in this area for that very reason.
Mack applauded the protesters, but added that with his historical background he believes the monuments belong in a museum where they can be appreciated, written about, and remembered.
*EDIT: Dr. Mack reiterates that he supports these movements, and does not wish to downplay the protestors’ hard work or the death of Heather Heyer.
