Representing historical accuracy
Image of the stone-made confederate marker that states “Louisa Bedford Chapter No. 642; United Daughters of Confederancy; In memory of Battles fought at Collierville, Tennessee, October 11-25 - November 3, 1863, December 27-28, 1863; Confederate Park”
From the Chickasaw Nation to the predominantly Black population in the early 1900s, people of diverse backgrounds, races, and ethnicities have found home on the land that our town sits on. This diversity, however, is not reflected in Collierville’s public spaces. Instead, what we see in public spaces are plaques, markers, signs, and exhibits displaying one-sided narratives of white history from select periods of time. Understanding the importance of accurate, unbiased historical representation for our town's diverse population, CCJ continues to push town leadership to represent ALL of us while condemning voices that pay homage to racist ideology in public spaces.
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WHY DOES ACCURATE HISTORICAL REPRESENTATION MATTER?
-Historical representation sends a direct message to those being represented that their stories matter
- Historical representation informs our understanding of how our world operates today and what historical events led to our current structures of living and co-habitating with other groups
-Accurate historical representation communicates to underrepresented groups that they are welcome in our town
-Acknowledging our town’s history (even the dark parts of it) is the first step reconciling with underrepresented groups who still suffer from those parts of history and the systemic imbalances that have resulted from it. Conversely, denying parts of our history only conveys to those groups that they are not seen as full people with a complex history of their own.
If representation matters to those being represented,
it matters to those being hidden.
RESOURCES / SOURCES
PUSHING FOR ACCURATE HISTORICAL REPRESENTATION IN PUBLIC SPACES
Collierville Community Justice advocates for inclusivity in historical representation by encouraging everyday people (both in Collierville and in surrounding areas) to vocalize the need for change.
Here are some ways you can fight for accurate representation in our public spaces:
-Contact the Mayor and Aldermen
-Speak up at the Board of Mayor and Aldermen meetings at Town Hall
-Sign our petition
-Join CCJ to attend meetings and events dedicated to pushing for accurate historical representation in public spaces
A big takeaway statement to wrap up the page:
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Jump to other areas where we’re making an impact :
DEI MUTUAL AID ELECTION REFORM YOUTH INVESTMENT HOUSING REFORM