Jacksonville, FL – In a significant move reflecting the city’s evolving stance on historical symbols, the last Confederate monument in Jacksonville’s Springfield Park is being dismantled. This action follows years of heated debate and represents a pivotal moment in the city’s journey towards inclusivity and respect for all community members.
Mayor Donna Deegan, emphasizing the importance of symbols in shaping societal values, ordered the removal of the monument early Wednesday morning. According to Charles B. Garrison, chair of the City of Jacksonville’s Planning Commission, the decision was made to honor the present and build a future where every member of the community feels acknowledged and esteemed.
In a statement, the City of Jacksonville elaborated on the significance of this move. Erected during the early 20th century peak of Confederate monument-building, which was a part of a campaign to justify Jim Crow laws and intimidate African Americans, this memorial’s removal signals a commitment to equality and shared humanity. Mayor Deegan stressed that this is not an erasure of history but an acknowledgment of learning from it.
The initiative was financially supported by a grant from the Jessie Ball duPont Fund and anonymous donors to 904WARD. The large statue within the monument, along with a smaller statue on top and a plaque, are being removed. The project, costing $187,000, is managed by ACON Construction under an agreement with 904WARD. The mayor’s executive authority to oversee this project without City Council approval was affirmed by General Counsel Michael Fackler, citing the use of non-city funds for the project.
The Jessie Ball duPont Fund also commented on the initiative, underscoring the importance of inclusive public spaces in great cities. They expressed support for Mayor Deegan’s leadership and the city’s ongoing efforts in equity work, emphasizing the need for ongoing community dialogue following the statue’s removal.