At Tuesday’s packed town council meeting, Bayside HOYA President John Queen, musical artist Karen Somerville, resident Monica Graves and others addressed the Council over the delay in placing the Charlie Graves-Uptown Club historical plaque planned for Calvert Street.Tuesday, September 6, the plaque was erected on College Ave. Monica Graves is the daughter of Charlie Graves.
John Queen is co-author of Chestertown Unites Against Racism and Chairman of Equity Advisory Committee. The plaque project was led by Karen Somerville, John Queen, and Cindy Fulton.
The more than three-hour topic quickly elevated into a challenge that the council had not been adhering to the principles and mandates described and adopted in the Chestertown Unites Against Racism 16- month plan to “educate the community about its history pertaining to race relations”.
The memorial plaque’s placement, originally planned for part of the Juneteenth celebration was denounced by the current renter of the house on the site of the old Uptown Club. Further discussion with the tenant failed. Additionally, it was acknowledged that the Town boundary extended into the proposed location for the sign and the town could have mandated the placement of the sign in the original spot.
Mayor Foster apologized to the community for the time it took to try find a solution to the issue citing a need to address the renter’s grievance and council meetings being two weeks apart hindered the process. The aforementioned speakers described the lapse in a timely solution an affront to the Black community’s mission to preserve their heritage and urged the Council to re-embrace the articles of the Chestertown Unites Against Racism program.
The Spy will follow up with comprehensive coverage of this meeting in the days ahead.
Barbara Jorgenson says
Just to make sure everyone is aware: In July, the Historical Society of Kent County released its newly expanded and updated African American Heritage Walk. Not only is the Uptown Club featured along with more than 30 other important African American Heritage sites in Chestertown, Charlie Graves was featured on the cover and his many contributions to our community were highlighted inside. Copies of the free brochure are available from the Historical Society at 301 High Street, the Town’s Visitor Center, and the Kent County Office of Economic Development and Tourism, which underwrote the printing of the brochure, an accompanying 40-page book, and a two-part exhibit. One part of the exhibit, entitled “Take a Walk in Our Shoes,” is currently on display at the Cerino Center; the second part of the exhibit is in the County Office building. It is our hope that these exhibits will tour the County in libraries and schools.
Dillan Carter says
You forget where John Queen presumed he was final authority on all things. There’s also that word unites. This town is far from united and people need to speak up. This group is not speaking if equality. They want VIP special treatment. How long can the word “race” be used as a pass to get over on others and play the victim. There was no uprising here in 2020. This is mere dillusion. That all took place in cities and half of it by people who listened to half truths and propaganda. I believe Mr. Queen is confused and thinking this is a City rather than a small town. His ambition would be more appropriately placed in the city.
vern thompson says
Mr Carter, you are exactly right.
Brandt Troup says
Yikes.
Babette Johnson says
The delay of the Charlie Graves Uptown-Club Plaque stemmed from a lack of communication between the homeowners and the project planners. Respect goes a long way and in order to get respect you have to give respect. This should have not gone down like this. Mr. Queen (who is not from Kent County) should have done his homework by including the main players (meaning the homeowners) with his intentions and getting their input.
Ms.Penny says
As for the delay of the Charlie Graves Plaque it was a lack of communication
Ms.Penny says
Working together get better results