“Shame on Jacksonville.”
Those were the words of the Florida State Senator sponsoring legislation that would prohibit local governments from removing historic monuments during the bill’s second committee hearing Tuesday night.
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“Show me the monuments in Jacksonville that have recognized the Black culture and the achievements in Jacksonville. Shame of Jacksonville for not recognizing that,” said State Senator Jonathan Martin (R-Fort Myers).
Martin’s comments are drawing backlash here in the Bold City.
“We should be offended and take offense to that,” said State Representative Angie Nixon (D-Jacksonville).
Nixon argued Martin’s comments ring hollow, considering they were made as he closed on his bill, which would require Jacksonville’s two former Confederate monuments to be put back up.
“Especially since we know that those Confederate monuments were basically a slap in the face to Black people,” said Nixon.
Jacksonville has become central in the debate over the monuments bill after Mayor Donna Deegan ordered the removal of the Confederate statues in Springfield Park in December.