While it may be argued that the Confederate monuments are representative of heritage, this sandstone slab that sits across from Inn Lawn Park in Luray, Virginia is afforded no such luxury. 

Labeled as “A Slave Auction Block”, the only heritage that this symbolizes is centuries’ worth of Anti-Blackness and a constant reminder to Black families in our community of the suffering, abuse, and indescribable horrors their ancestors faced. The block celebrates the “peculiar institution” that displaced children from mothers, sisters from brothers, and husbands from wives. Following slavery abolition, this system gave way to Jim Crow, Segregation, and an era of systemic racism that has yet to be ended. 

Put frankly, this is not something that should be displayed in the town, next to historic sites such as a restored school. If the stone must be preserved, let it be in a facility meant for those purposes.

This auction block’s continued display is insensitive and unwelcome. 

Sign this petition to call for it’s long-overdue removal.