This week, Perth Amboy celebrated the addition of Thomas Mundy Peterson’s vote to the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail. While his role as the first Black voter under the 15th Amendment absolutely deserves recognition, this kind of gesture once again risks reducing Peterson to a single act—celebrating the vote while ignoring the man who cast it. The ground connected to Peterson still holds untold stories. Archaeology could uncover evidence of his life, his community, and the lived reality behind this historic moment. Yet city officials continue to push redevelopment forward without allowing that work to happen. Time and again, they choose expedience over responsibility—rushing projects, cutting corners, and treating history as an inconvenience. A plaque may be convenient for a photo-op, but it does nothing to safeguard the deeper truths still buried beneath our feet. When leaders refuse to ask the hard questions, they don’t just erase Peterson’s past—they rob future generations of the chance to fully understand it. Here’s how you can help right now: • Share this petition with your community, and tag three friends when you do. • Spread the word that honoring Peterson means more than symbolic gestures—it means uncovering and preserving his full story. • Remind leaders that history isn’t preserved by plaques, but by action. Together, we can ensure that Thomas Mundy Peterson is remembered not just for casting a vote, but as a whole person—rooted in his community, his daily life, and his enduring place in history.