The Black Lives Matter and We Can’t Breathe street murals were formally adopted Monday Night by the Chestertown Town Council as town government speech and as such will be painted in their proposed locations at High St. and Cross St. to Lawyer’s Row, and on College Avenue.
As government speech, the murals are town government statements rather than permits awarded to private parties, and as such do not open the process for applications by other parties to paint other messages.
The proposal was first suggested by the Social Action Committee for Racial Justice members Wanda Boyer, Maria Wood, and Arlene Lee. Since their proposal was aired five weeks ago, the subject has virtually dominated discussion in Chestertown.
In a passionate and sometimes contentious 3-hour online session, the council heard from more than a dozen Chestertown residents, the majority in favor of the adoption.
Councilman Tom Herz recused himself from the meeting because of his association with attorney Phil Hoon from whom he rents office space.
The three council members, David Foster (Ward 1), Ellsworth Tolliver (Ward 1) and Meghan Efland (Ward 4), along with Mayor Cerino, debated through their concerns about legality and maintenance arriving finally to a unanimous agreement that the statements should be adopted, and that it would be more than symbolic in the town’s effort to embrace and welcome the Black community.
The Council also agreed that the murals should include the tag-line “Chestertown Unites Against Racism.”
More from the Spy this afternoon.
Gren Whitman says
Solid decision by Chestertown’s leaders (minus one).
CJM says
It was a very open dialogue at the meeting last night. I applaud the council for listening and having the courage to change their mind. Applause to Professor Michael Harvey of Washington College who provides a history lesson as background for why this was an important statement by the town.
Deirdre LaMotte says
Wonderful! Thank you Chestertown for approving what is
is right and decent
Terra S Deaton says
This is a start; however the dialogue must continue to bring equality and justice for all. Great move Mayor and Town Council!
scott spurrier says
I wonder what the chances are of also painting on High Street in from of the police
station “Back the Blue” or “Fund the Police”? Most likely slim and none.
Jeanette L Knapp says
I think that is an outstanding idea! Where would we be without our police department protecting our towns.
Dirk says
LOL
Maria Wood says
I recommend you read the second paragraph of this article, which explains:
“As government speech, the murals are town government statements rather than permits awarded to private parties, and as such do not open the process for applications by other parties to paint other messages”
Rudolph Jenkins says
“Government Speech” that only allows some citizens to have voices, but excludes is censorship. Speech is Speech. Once these places are designated as forums for speech, Chestertown City Council has no right to say only the speech they like. The minority of citizens have rights too, and their voices should be heard as well. It is not right to censor those the majority would like to forget.
Jen says
It is mind boggling to me how any town council member would support a BLM mural when they have been very forthcoming about being trained marxists. BLM is not for black people at all and this mural will bring unrest in peaceful Chestertown. The town council should be ashamed.
Todd Hughes says
I congratulate the Town Council for finding a loophole that allows them to paint Black Lives Matter on our streets with out allowing other races the ability to have similar messages painted…they just make it the official town message!
So now that it is official that the Town Council thinks it’s only Black Lives That matter maybe they can further clarify it and paint White Lives Don’t Matter on some street ?
Wilbert Givens says
Finally !!!!
KWM says
If nothing else this decision has definitely brought to light some deep-seated feelings in the community and that’s a good thing. It shouldn’t make us hate, but, it should set us free. I applaud Chestertown, especially those that get it and voted to move forward with this. So excited about Chestertown and the awakening that’s taking place.
Byrne says
The residents are now free to vote out the council if they wish.
Jen says
I would like to move forward with voting out the town council
Tammy Hadaway-Sheppard says
I am so happy that they are doing these murals in Chestertown for the Black Lives Matter. My family is multi racial and I cannot wait to show it to my grandson. This Merrill and make people proud to say that they’re from Chestertown Maryland I know I will be.
Byrne says
On Chicago looters: “Anything they wanted to take, they can take it because these businesses have insurance” explained Ariel Atkins, a Black Lives Matters organizer.
Look deeper than the spoon feeding news.