Tuesday marks the one-year anniversary of the toppling of the Confederate monument known as “Silent Sam” on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill.
A lot has happened since then.
The damaged statue is currently being held in an undisclosed but secure location, according to the school. While its future is still uncertain, students and community activists are planning a party to celebrate a year without it.
As students return to classes this week, Defend UNC and Take Action Chapel Hill are throwing an anniversary party from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Peace and Justice Plaza on Franklin Street, across from where the statue once stood.
Nearly 200 people have already signaled they will attend on the event’s Facebook page.
In related news, the Chatham County Board of Commissioners meets tonight to discuss the fate of the Confederate Monument that stands outside of the Chatham County Historic Courthouse.
Like “Silent Sam,” that statue was erected by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, who are arguing that because it was a gift it belongs to the county and is covered by a 2015 law meant to prevent the removal of such statues.
The group failed to prevent the removal of a similar statue in Winston-Salem earlier this year.
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