By Mary Kelley
A foundation based on half-truths, whole lies, misinformation, and white supremacy cannot support
equal justice under the law.
ECVL salutes the courage, patriotism, and insight of the Rhea family in their support of the removal
of the Emma Samson memorial.
Throughout the history of our country, some sensitive members of the white community have upheld truth and displayed courage when it was far easier to remain silent or worse, urge a suffering oppressed people to “wait”. Far fewer of those have spoken up, aligned themselves with the victims, or dare use their positions as well-respected members of the community to confront injustice and complacency.
But in a rare irony, descendants of Emma Samson, members of the distinguished Rhea family, the very persons who have every right to argue “heritage” in defense of the Emma Samson statute dissect with artful precision and compassion the flawed, disingenuous, or at best the ill-informed sentiments underlying maintaining the monument.
The Commentary by the Rhea family printed in The Gadsden Times on June 26, 2020, accomplishes that and more. The Rhea Commentary provided a candid historical context of the Emma Samson monument and similar memorials. It debunks the pretense of southern heritage and soothes the painful thongs and vestiges of slavery enforced by our governments upon the heirs of some Gadsdenites, including the one-third black residents. The Rhea Commentary moves us and our elected officials beyond conversation. It calls for those elected officials to muster the fortitude to act responsibly and with civility to unite our community now.
The Rhea family penned”:
“We are descendants of Emma Sansom’s family and current or former members of the Gadsden
community. We add our voices to the call to remove the statue at the head of Broad Street
commemorating Sansom and Ku Klux Klan leader and Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest.
The monument was erected to enforce white supremacy in Gadsden, which we abhor and lament. The only defensible action today is to remove the statue.
Our community may have forgotten why this statue and others like it were erected. We must remember why in order to take wise action.”
Signed by ‒ Donald Rhea * William Henry Rhea III * Marie Rhea Singleton * * Richard Rhea *
Kelvin Knight * Leigh Ann Rhea * Nina Ellen Rhea * Anna Rhea Knight Hopkins * Karen Lynn
Knight Craft * Preston Rhea
Contact each member of the Gadsden City Council and meet us at 10:00 am at City Hall 90 Broad St Council Chambers on Tuesday, July 7. Council members Deverick Williams, Jason Wilson, and Thomas Worthy supports the removal of the statute. Send your letter supporting removal to :
citycouncil@cityofgadsden.com
WRITE AND CALL YOUR COUNCIL MEMBERS TO MOVE EMMA SANSOM STATUTE