You are vocal when it comes to removing the Market House in Fayetteville. What does that building represent, and why should it be removed?
I’m leading this movement because I believe in what I preach. That divisive and shameful structure is the “historical” Slave Market House that sits at the center of our city. It is documented that slaves were sold at this building. It was erected by White supremacists and has been protected by a racist. We call Fayetteville the “All-American City,” but we promote at the heart of our city a structure [and] image that gives a constant reminder that Black people were seen as property without souls. Former leaders of our city placed the image of that same Slave Market House on the city seal, police badges, trash cans and everything else city-related. The remainder of our oppression and enslavement is everywhere in our city, but it emanates from the building, the Slave Market House, at the center of our city. Over the years, African Americans in Fayetteville have attempted to burn it down, bomb it and bulldoze it, but to no avail.
How can religious institutions help to dismantle racism?
This question speaks to the heart of my movement in Fayetteville. Too many churches have sacrificed our unity at the altar of political partisanship. Politics have so successfully infiltrated our churches. They have divided us for far too long. Currently, I have reached out to all Christian churches in my surrounding area to work together to create a community that embraces all of us, not just some of us. We are joining together for the betterment of our children and community.
