<p>At a public forum Tuesday night, Oak Bluffs selectmen unanimously agreed adopt the Martha’s Vineyard NAACP’s recommendation.
The chasm may not be closed. But for many Islanders it got a little tighter on Tuesday, when the Oak Bluffs selectmen voted unanimously to adopt the Martha’s Vineyard NAACP’s recommendation and remove two plaques from a Civil War monument that contain language honoring confederate soldiers.
Selectman Greg Coogan made the motion to remove the plaques which will be donated to the Martha's Vineyard Museum.
Selectman Greg Coogan made the motion to remove the plaques which will be donated to the Martha's Vineyard Museum.
“I’m proud of the Oak Bluffs selectmen,” said a jubilant Dr. William McLaurin after the decision. “It’ll be good.”
For two months, the selectmen have demurred on taking a public stance on the two plaques on the statue that stands at the entrance to Ocean Park. The plaques — one on the southern face of the monument, and another on the ground — reference confederate soldiers.
Instead selectmen have listened quietly to what has grown into a heated public debate about history, memory and preservation on the Island.
After nearly two hours of testimony at a public forum the board had called Tuesday, the selectmen decided to act.
“I’ve come a long way in this process,” selectman Michael Santoro said. “As we met, I grew. I understood . . . but this forum tonight was very educating. I want to thank everybody for coming. It took a lot of bravery.”
Selectman Greg Coogan made a motion to remove the plaques and create a committee that includes the NAACP, the Dukes County Veterans association, and the Wampanoag tribe, among others, to come up with an appropriate historical replacement. The plaques will go to the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, which has agreed to accept them into their collection.
Mr. Santoro seconded the motion. It was adopted unanimously.
“Let’s move forward,” selectman Jason Balboni said, just before an outpouring of emphatic applause from the packed cafeteria at the Oak Bluffs School.
During testimony people strayed beyond remarks about the monument and spoke about their personal relationships with race, memory, war, and with Martha’s Vineyard. It was a history lesson on the nature of historical remembrance itself.
Historian Bow Van Riper: “History is complicated. Anyone who is telling you different is selling something.”
Historian Bow Van Riper: “History is complicated. Anyone who is telling you different is selling something.”
Archivist and librarian for the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, Bowdoin Van Riper, opened discussion by framing the statue in the shadow of the Civil War and the background of race-relations in the early 20th century.
The statue was dedicated in 1891 by Charles Strahan, a former confederate soldier who moved to Martha’s Vineyard after the war. Although Mr. Strahan fought for the South, the statue depicts a union soldier and was meant to honor those who fought to abolish slavery, “closing the chasm” of bitterness that remained from soldiers on opposite sides of the conflict. The plaque in question, which was added to the statue in 1925, reads: “The Chasm is Closed / In memory of the restored Union this tablet is dedicated to Union veterans of the Civil War and patriotic citizens of Martha’s Vineyard in honor of the Confederate soldiers.”
For Mr. Van Riper, and almost everyone else who spoke on Tuesday, the words did not necessarily ring true nearly 100 years later.
“This is where wording matters,” Mr. Van Riper said. “The architects of the fourth plaque reached for a sweeping statement of healing and reconciliation, one which they might have felt deeply and intensely . . . but they made such a statement at a time when, for African Americans in Oak Bluffs and elsewhere, the chasm was far from closed.”
He described how the West Tisbury school held minstrel shows as fundraisers, how the Island remained segregated into the 20th century, and how even black Americans in Oak Bluffs, which grew to have one of the largest African American summer communities in the country, experienced the pangs of racism in the aftermath of the Civil War.
“History is complicated,” Mr. Van Riper said. “Anyone who is telling you different is selling something.”
Selectmen listened intently and took notes as Islander after Islander, from wash-ashores to Wampanoags, from Oak Bluffs summer residents to members of the town’s year-round community, from those who have never touched a gun to Navy veterans, stood to request the removal of the plaques. All echoed a similar sentiment, saying the time for change is now.
“This is a portrait of ourselves that we are holding up . . . We were the first state to legalize slavery,” said Clennon King, an Oak Bluffs summer resident who initially proposed removing the plaques this March. “I am no fan of the Patriots organization but what does Bill Belicheck say? Do your job,” he told the selectmen.
County veterans agent Jo Ann Murphy: “We need to make this right between all parties.”
County veterans agent Jo Ann Murphy: “We need to make this right between all parties.”
Others who spoke praised the diversity of the Island and Oak Bluffs in particular, describing the plaques as an unnecessary “black eye” that doesn’t represent that town’s otherwise open and inclusive character.
“This is why I came to Oak Bluffs as a permanent resident,” said Richard Cohen, representing the Hebrew Center of Martha’s Vineyard social action committee. “I came here because of the diversity the inclusiveness and I’m hoping that you all make us proud.”
Members of the Island NAACP, like Gretchen Tucker-Underwood, Oak Bluffs police chief Erik Blake, and Dr. Thelma Johnson, all advocated for plaque removal. Ms. Tucker-Underwood said it was unconscionable to continue honoring confederate soldiers. Chief Blake described how the status of confederates as veterans was little more than a symbolic gesture that allowed their widows and ancestors to receive financial support from the government. Dr. Johnson emphasized how 2019 represented the perfect time for a change, as it marked the 400th anniversary of West Africans being brought to the Americas as slaves.
“The time is now to do the right thing,” she said.
And while some Island veterans had opposed removing the plaques, there was an easing of that stance on Tuesday night.
Tom Rancich, who served combat duty in the Navy, described how his experiences on the battlefield informed his position.
“I can tell you stories that will make you all cringe,” Mr. Rancich said. “I can tell you about the horrors of what men do to each other...I am glad my sons will never see what I saw. I think those memorials ought to be removed.”
Jo Ann Murphy, the Dukes County veterans agent, told selectmen the veteran’s association would be willing to work with the NAACP, the Wampanoag Tribe, and others to put something in their place.
“Even though we feel that they are veterans,” Ms. Murphy said, describing confederate soldiers, “we need to close this. We need to make this right between all parties. I would be willing to work with Mr. Van Riper to put something in that place that everybody can agree on.”
After the vote was made, members of the veterans association shook hands with members of the NAACP, expressing a willingness to work on a commemorative plaque that described not only the history of the monument — but the history of the decision to change it.
“You opened the covers tonight,” Oak Bluffs resident Russell Ashton told selectmen.
“This was a history lesson that will never be forgotten.”
Comments
For some reason I don't feel
Tisbury voter Vineyard haven massFor some reason I don't feel this is the end of our Island Historical sites being changed.Glad this is over and hope it ends.Now it's a memory of what was there and what it stood for, whatever the meaning of the wording you want to understand.
The chasm WAS closed until
Jen TisburyThe chasm WAS closed until everyone took exception. So once again history is altered to be politically correct. Stop fighting the civil war while simultaneously trying to erase it.
Then what you fail to see is
David ChilmarkThen what you fail to see is the chasm WASN't closed.
David is correct. Even at the
Chloe Reichel CambridgeDavid is correct. Even at the time, the plaque was controversial. In 1925, when the Grand Army of the Republic, the Women’s Relief Corps and the American Legion voted to add a fourth plaque honoring Confederate soldiers to the monument, some objected. Consider Grand Army Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Wilfred A. Whetherbee's words: “We do protest the flaunting of their tablets or memorials in the faces of the men who for four years defended and saved the flag from those who would tear it down. Treason always has been and always will be odious.” (Vineyard Gazette, August 28, 1925)
A loss for the entire Island.
Robert PrincetonA loss for the entire Island. History is a great teacher, I left watching our education erode like South Beach
You can go visit your plaque
Carla Cooper EdgartownYou can go visit your plaque at the Museum. It hasn’t been “lost”.
Gee. It wasn't an issue 20
Dave Reading SandwichGee. It wasn't an issue 20 years, 15 years, 10 years, 5 years ago. Now all of a sudden, to be P.C. and not ruffle the feathers of a few, it is an issue. So I wonder what the this group will go after next? To the gutless board who voted, happy now? Oh that's right, you are an elected board..not appointed.. hmm
There certainly were a lot of
T Bone OBThere certainly were a lot of keyboard jockeys on this site, the other paper, and Islander Talk barking in opposition. But when it came to last night's public meeting and a vote the "vocal opposition" hid behind their keyboards and stayed home. Says a lot about their faux outrage. The selectmen did their jobs -- they listened to the citizens who cared to show up.
Nice try. In this world of
not pc mvNice try. In this world of political correctness, if you voice an opinion that doesn't pander to the professional protesters, you get branded as a bigot, racist, anti-woman etc. You name it. So people choose to pick their battles, and this one wasn't worth the fodder. Just like the 'polls' people don't tell the pollsters the truth. They go out and pull the lever. They don't put bumper stickers on their cars because some loudmouth will put a scratch on it or political signs on their lawns (so they don't get a rock tossed through their window). Its called the silent majority.
A democracy requires
Keith Oak BluffsA democracy requires participation. If you and your “majority” want to stay silent, then you’ve accomplished nothing.
To gloat over the lack of
Bob OBTo gloat over the lack of "vocal opposition" is short sighted. This issue has had an effect on this community, and has caused many to view things in a different light. Oak Bluffs has always been the most tolerant place that I know, but many are feeling that this tolerance has been taken for granted - regardless of whether or not they choose to say anything out loud. In pressing this non-issue, and allowing off-island interests to blow it all out of proportion, the MV NAACP has cut off its nose to spite its face.
Though I do not challenge the
Thomas Rancich TisburyThough I do not challenge the veracity of the reporting of my comments---I do believe that I failed to adequately convey the intent of my comments. The intent was to express my dismay at the lack of desire of the NAACP, and removers et al, to understand war from the warriors view point. I did say "Remove the memorials", what I meant was all Memorials---put them in lay-up until people have the slightest desire to glimpse a warriors world; the complexity of deciding to leave behind everything you know and love to protect the same.The specific context which I meant to convey was that since people don't want to put in the effort to understand our world, why should we continue to try and convince them it is important for them to do so? We, combat veterans have wasted enough heartbeats for an ungrateful people/nation. As such, we will continue to repeat the vicious cycle. On an unrelated personal note, on this Memorial Day, do not remember our "Fallen". Remember a scared kid screaming in pain as he tries to stuff his own guts back into his body--or the panicked youth suddenly realizing the reason he can't provide himself with life saving self aid is because his hands have been traumatically amputated. We do not "Fall" on the battle field, we are painfully and grotesquely removed from this life by shot, fire, blast etc. A toddler "falls" playing in front of the Memorial earned by someone dismembered far from home
Were the opposition cowed
Richard Barbieri OBWere the opposition cowed into silence? The talk around town suggests so. Odd that generations, from Dorothy West to MLK, John Lewis, and Spike Lee never complained, but we’re refighting the Civil War centuries later. If there is a chasm, it’s racial: the former Confederacy has sent 35 African Americans mermbers to the House in my lifetime, more than in all of history since 1865, while 23 northern states have sent none (18) or 1 (5).
They read our letters, they
Chip Coblyn OBThey read our letters, they listened to our voices, they opened their hearts and then they voted. Thank you Oak Bluffs selectmen for doing something that may be unique to the Vineyard—my beautiful home. That handshake described at the end of the meeting is what this place is truly about.
This forum debate was one of
Harry Seymour OBThis forum debate was one of the most exhilarating exercise in small town governance I’ve ever experienced. One had to be there to understand the depth of emotions, factual historical accounts that sucked all oppositional air out the room. Given the fury over this contentious issue, the Selectmen’s decision was clearly not inevitable before the forum, but once they too heard what I heard in the amazing supportive appeals, their decision was unavoidable, and all opposition was understandably silenced.
For shame. To cave in to
Katherine Scott TisburyFor shame. To cave in to erasing history, instead of finding ways to amplify it that would be truly educational and prompt productive discussion and dialogue. A fifth plaque should have been installed on the site, rather than expunging the expression of compassion for all soldiers and desire for peace.
You said it perfectly Tom!
Woody Williams Vineyard HavenYou said it perfectly Tom! Some of knew exactly what you were talking about the rest of the entire audience did not, does not and will never have a clue! They needed that clarification!
"Semper Fi".
As a little girl, I bought
Lee Jackson Van Allen Oak BluffsAs a little girl, I bought penny candy in the variety store next to the Flying Horses and would walk to Ocean Park to play. I always wondered why Oak Bluffs commemorated the Confederacy that fought to enslave two of my grandparents and one of my great-grandparents, Charles Shearer, who was born into slavery in Virginia, and came to Oak Bluffs in late eighteen hundreds. He and his wife, Henrietta, bought property in Highlands and opened the historic inn, Shearer Cottage in 1912. The wording on the plaques never made sense to me as a child and does not make sense to me now. Unfortunately, the plaques were another example of an indignity that African Americans have faced for years. To have complained earlier would have probably fallen on deaf ears. I applaud the NAACP of Martha’s Vineyard for finally bringing this issue to the forefront, the Board of Selectmen for their decision to remove the plaques and the MV Museum for accepting them.
The vote to move the plagues
Edward Redd Oak BluffsThe vote to move the plaques was the right one and shows why the Vineyard and Oak Bluffs in particular
continues to be the choice of so many and remains one of the most diverse communities in the country.Many were not even aware of the plaques,until this controversy began,and by shining light on it helps move us further along. The Obama's decision to vacation here with family was informed and deliberate.Putting these plaques in the museum is a better venue and allows for more reasoned discussion.While there will always be debatable differences the consensus on this vote was correct.THANK YOU OB
Unbelievable, first you turn
Paccen Bano TexasUnbelievable, first you turn the cannon around in Vineyard Haven and now this? Political Correctness is out of control. History is history and leave it where it is... What's next? Are you going to take down the solider in Oak Bluffs that a has a civil war uniform with a US pouch on him? Or has that already been done? Seems to me some people have wayyy to much time on their hands to worry about a few words on a monument! I've got a good one.. let's stop business selling Ink Well t-shirts as that's also offensive.
From the very beginning,
Michael Fontes West TisburyFrom the very beginning, instead of being a discussion about history and its preservation, where everyone felt welcome, the "facts" became diktat about race. While no one would argue that slavery was not the abomination it was, the selectmen were increasingly backed into a corner where they could do nothing other than vote as they did.
However, this is not the end, but only the beginning, and no monument, memorial, image, nor any written word is safe from revision or even complete obliteration.
There was one member of the Aquinnah Wampanoag who believed that the entire statue should be taken down, for, after all, didn't that same soldier, after putting down what was called "The Rebellion", also then turn to waging war on Indians? The permutations of this line of thought are potentially endless and virtually nothing will be immune from it as it spirals out of control.
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