Letter from Murray Main Street Program President Joe Darnall dated June 18, 2020

Dear Judge-Executive Imes,

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Murray Main Street Program, I am writing this letter to support the relocation of the statue from the public grounds of the court house in downtown Murray. As part of the National Main Street Program, we join our fellow Main Street programs across the country, as well as the Murray City Council, for peace, justice, accountability and fair treatment of all people. We are committed to standing against racism and discrimination in all forms. The humanity and dignity of every person must be honored and respected in our public spaces.

The Murray Main Street Program has worked hard to support the downtown businesses and community in light of recent disasters and now a global pandemic. Helping support our small businesses during these times has been essential. Now more than ever, it is important for our community to rediscover the joy of patronizing our small businesses and restaurants in a safe and welcoming space, a commercial district where people of every race, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation feel comfortable living, working and shopping.

We must recognize that for many community members, specifically those of color, the statue is a reminder of a racial injustice where safety has never been a given. Many of us take for granted the feeling of safety while walking or jogging in the park or through a neighborhood, shopping in a store or simply living in our small town. The community must come together to create safe and inclusive public places where everyone can enjoy the quality of life they deserve. We want our downtown, our community and our businesses to thrive in such an environment. We need your help to do this.

As the Board of Directors, we are ready and willing to work with you, the Kentucky Heritage Council and the Kentucky Military Heritage Commission to find a new location for the statue where the history can be seen in its correct context and the community can move forward in peace and equitable harmony.

Please, for the sake of this downtown and our community, quickly address this issue and work toward moving the statue to a more suitable location.

Sincerely,

Joe Darnall

President

The foregoing is part of a collection of correspondence to various Calloway County government officials as well as remarks made before the Calloway County Fiscal Court in 2020, which the Sentinel obtained from County Judge-Executive Kenny Imes' office.