Dear Town of Fort Mill:

     We would like to preface this petition by stating that we hope you all are doing well in the midst of this global pandemic. We understand that these times are difficult for everyone and wish you good health. In the wake of racial injustices being addressed throughout our country, we feel it is important to address racial issues within our community as well. This is why we are petitioning for the renaming of Confederate Park in downtown Fort Mill. 

     The Confederacy, to many in Fort Mill, represents a part of our history integral to our community. With the last meeting of the full Confederate cabinet being held in our town, we carry an important and significant historical legacy that is unique to Fort Mill. However, the Confederacy does not hold the same meaning for each citizen of our town. For our ~2,700 African American residents, the Confederacy represents an institution that would not have seen them as equal citizens and valued members of our community. How can we promote an institution that represents a long, persistent history of racial oppression, slavery, and segregation for so many members of our Fort Mill family? 

     We call on the Fort Mill Town Council and the Town of Fort Mill to meet and discuss renaming Confederate Park. We ask that the local government requests permission from the South Carolina General Assembly to change the park name to emphasize unity and diversity within our community. We also ask the same consideration to be given to street names, such as Confederate Street and Calhoun Street, in order to better represent and connect with all Fort Mill residents. 

     Now more than ever, it is important to create lasting change in order to ensure all members of our community feel welcome, valued, and respected within our town. There are other important legacies of our town's history that we feel would be more appropriate to highlight and less offensive to many of our residents. We sincerely hope that you will take the time to consider this proposal, and we look forward to hearing from you soon. Hopefully, we can work together to make Fort Mill a more inclusive place where residents of all racial backgrounds can come together to celebrate our town and its rich history.