Marker Honoring Confederate General Should Be Removed
The Issue
We request the commissioners hold a vote to remove the tablet commemorating Halifax native and Confederate Brigadier General Junius Daniel, which rests on the front lawn of the Historic Old Courthouse in Halifax.
This marker was dedicated in November 1929 by the Halifax chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC).
Contrary to revisionist history perpetuated by groups like the UDC, the Confederate States of America did take up arms against its own republic, the United States of America, to preserve the ideology of White supremacy and the institution of chattel slavery.
In 1790 during the first U.S. Census, Halifax County had the highest enslaved population in the state with 6.697, or 46.8 percent of its citizens. In 1830, Halifax led the state again with 9,790 enslaved (55.19% of its population). In 1860 on the eve of the Civil War, it had a total of 10,349 enslaved (53.23 percent of its population), which was fourth highest in the state. Today, according to the census, African Americans make up just under 54 percent of Halifax’s population.
It is as if those living here now directly descend from those who were enslaved here centuries ago.
Additionally, Caledonia Correctional Institution in Halifax County, the oldest state prison in NC, rests on the former plantation of John C. Johnston, who enslaved 271 according to the 1860 census.
Though the chapter that erected it is defunct, the Daniel plaque has sat for over 90 years.
In a predominantly black county, the message sent by this marker, is outright disrespectful, racially insensitive and racially inflammatory.
This tablet is on the lawn of a public building where not only do the commissioners meet, but also where the County Manager’s office, County Finance Department, County Legal Department and Board of Elections are housed.
While there is a 2015 law addressing the removal of markers and monuments, I believe the NC Historical Commission would not object if the commission voted to remove the plaque and have it placed in Historic Halifax.
Municipalities around the state are already doing this.
Halifax prides itself on being the “First In Freedom,” so where is our leadership and courage?
-Rodney D. Pierce
2019 NC Council for the Social Studies Teacher of the Year
Teacher Fellow, NC Equity Fellowship
The Issue
We request the commissioners hold a vote to remove the tablet commemorating Halifax native and Confederate Brigadier General Junius Daniel, which rests on the front lawn of the Historic Old Courthouse in Halifax.
This marker was dedicated in November 1929 by the Halifax chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC).
Contrary to revisionist history perpetuated by groups like the UDC, the Confederate States of America did take up arms against its own republic, the United States of America, to preserve the ideology of White supremacy and the institution of chattel slavery.
In 1790 during the first U.S. Census, Halifax County had the highest enslaved population in the state with 6.697, or 46.8 percent of its citizens. In 1830, Halifax led the state again with 9,790 enslaved (55.19% of its population). In 1860 on the eve of the Civil War, it had a total of 10,349 enslaved (53.23 percent of its population), which was fourth highest in the state. Today, according to the census, African Americans make up just under 54 percent of Halifax’s population.
It is as if those living here now directly descend from those who were enslaved here centuries ago.
Additionally, Caledonia Correctional Institution in Halifax County, the oldest state prison in NC, rests on the former plantation of John C. Johnston, who enslaved 271 according to the 1860 census.
Though the chapter that erected it is defunct, the Daniel plaque has sat for over 90 years.
In a predominantly black county, the message sent by this marker, is outright disrespectful, racially insensitive and racially inflammatory.
This tablet is on the lawn of a public building where not only do the commissioners meet, but also where the County Manager’s office, County Finance Department, County Legal Department and Board of Elections are housed.
While there is a 2015 law addressing the removal of markers and monuments, I believe the NC Historical Commission would not object if the commission voted to remove the plaque and have it placed in Historic Halifax.
Municipalities around the state are already doing this.
Halifax prides itself on being the “First In Freedom,” so where is our leadership and courage?
-Rodney D. Pierce
2019 NC Council for the Social Studies Teacher of the Year
Teacher Fellow, NC Equity Fellowship
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on July 8, 2020