Residents from across the state have a chance to weigh in on a proposed monument at the North Carolina capitol to honor the achievements of African-Americans. The first in a series of public meetings will be held Tuesday night in Greensboro.
There are several statues honoring famous citizens on the grounds of the capitol, but only one is an African American. It's a black soldier on a Vietnam monument.
But that could soon change. State officials are gathering ideas on its location, materials and size and scale at several stops across North Carolina.
This has been long in the making. A 2010, a study committee recommended more diversity. A state commission then approved lifting a moratorium on monuments on the Capitol grounds, so that African-Americans, women and American Indians could join the ranks of those honored.
Gov. Pat McCrory also recommended in late fall that the N.C. Historical Commission endorse the idea of a new monument.
Legislators haven't earmarked money for the project so far, but organizers hope it will be funded through the state and private donations.
The meeting on Tuesday, March 1 is at 6:30 p.m. at the International Civil Rights Center and Museum in Greensboro. Public meetings will also take place this month in Charlotte, Rocky Mount and Fayetteville.
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