Fayette County approves historical marker to commemorate seven victims of racial violence

The Fayette County Board of Commissioners voted 4-0 on Nov. 13 to approve placement of a historical marker at the Fayette County Old Courthouse in partnership with the Fayette County Community Remembrance Coalition (FCCRC) and the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI). Commissioner Charles W. Oddo made the motion; Commissioner Charles D. Rousseau seconded.

Members of the FCCRC urged the Board to approve the marker during public comment. Alice Jones said she supported the placement as “a sign of respect to the families” of those who lost their lives. Bill Graybill, speaking for the coalition, described the group’s outreach and said the coalition “embraced a vision of a beloved community where their shared history is known and understood, and where its residents can flourish.” Janice Bryant said the FCCRC had worked on the project since January 2021 and framed the marker as part of community education and public memorials honoring victims of racial terror.

Commissioner Oddo said he supported the marker’s purpose but asked that the board consider adding language acknowledging progress and change in race relations since the events, arguing that referencing community advancement could help unify residents. Oddo cited an historical example from Mankato, Minnesota, to explain why he favored additional context. Commissioner Rousseau acknowledged his colleagues’ concerns but opposed changing standard marker language, saying such changes could be controversial; he said he supported including recognition of the FCCRC’s contributions.

The Board’s motion to approve the marker in partnership with the FCCRC and EJI passed 4-0 (Commissioner Eric K. Maxwell was absent). The minutes do not specify the marker’s final wording, exact installation date, or funding source; those details were not provided at the meeting.