Savannah considers Blacks, women to replace name of slavery advocate - Statesboro Herald

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Savannah considers Blacks, women to replace name of slavery advocate

A plaque marking the 1851 dedication of Calhoun Square in Savannah, Ga., is shown recessed into a walkway on Nov. 10, 2022. Savannah's city council had the marker and signs removed from the square when it voted to strip the honor to former U.S. Vice President John C. Calhoun, who had been a vocal advocate for slavery. As the city council prepares to choose a new name, a list of recommended finalists includes the names of four Black people, a Native American tribe and a group of women. (AP photo/Russ Bynum)

Calhoun Square — A plaque marking the 1851 dedication of Calhoun Square in Savannah, Ga., is shown recessed into a walkway on Nov. 10, 2022. Savannah's city council had the marker and signs removed from the square when it voted to strip the honor to former U.S. Vice President John C. Calhoun, who had been a vocal advocate for slavery. As the city council prepares to choose a new name, a list of recommended finalists includes the names of four Black people, a Native American tribe and a group of women. (AP photo/Russ Bynum)

RUSS BYNUM

Associated Press

Published: Aug 16, 2023, 12:52 AM

SAVANNAH — Nine months after leaders of Georgia's oldest city stripped the name of a pro-slavery U.S. vice president from one of its public squares, nominees being considered for the green space's new name include a Black woman who taught formerly enslaved people to read and write.

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