NATCHEZ, Miss. – Efforts began in earnest Friday to raise funds to build a monument honoring black Union soldiers who served in Natchez during the Civil War.
Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson was joined by former Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant and others to announce the formation of the financial advisory committee for the Natchez U.S. Colored Troops Monument project the mayor initiated last year.
“The time has arrived that the entire story of Natchez be told. We can think of no better way of telling that story than to memorialize the courage and patriotism of the U.S. Colored Troops,” Gibson said.
“We refuse to let this integral part of our shared history serve as only a side note, and we must honor their service with a monument befitting of their important contribution to our country and our city,” he said. “We will need significant financial support to reach this goal, and it is our hope that many will join in this effort as we pay homage to their heroism and sacrifice.”
People wanting to contribute can go to the group’s website to send money and get more information: https://www.natchezusctmonument.com
Gibson began plans in 2021 to honor more than 3,000 Black soldiers who served in Natchez when it was occupied by the Union army beginning in 1863.
The newly freed slaves worked mostly on demolishing the Forks of the Road slave market and building Fort McPherson, the earthen fortification for federal troops in north Natchez, according to historical accounts. While few of the Black soldiers stationed in Natchez were involved in Civil War combat, about 800 died from disease.
The location and design of the Natchez monument remain uncertain as efforts are made to come up with money for its construction.
In announcing plans for building the monument in April 2021, Gibson suggested it be placed at Natchez’ Memorial Park, where two separate shrines honoring Confederate Civil War soldiers and other military veterans are already located. Seven other potential sites were later selected by a committee appointed by Gibson using criteria based on various factors, including historical significance, visibility, access and capacity to accommodate visitors to the monument.
U.S. Colored Troops Monument Financial Advisory Committee
Chairmen:
Hon. Dan M. Gibson, Mayor of Natchez
Mr. Robert Pernell, Chairman of U.S. Colored Troops Monument Committee
Members:
Hon. Phil Bryant, 64thGovernor of the State of Mississippi
Hon. Gregg Harper, Former Congressman, Mississippi’s 2ndDistrict
Hon. Darryl V. Grennell , Former Mayor of Natchez
Hon. Larry L. “Butch” Brown, Former Mayor of Natchez
Hon. Jake Middleton, Former Mayor of Natchez
Hon. Phillip West, Former Mayor of Natchez
Hon. F.L. Hank Smith, Former Mayor of Natchez
Hon. Tony Byrne, Former Mayor of Natchez
Hon. Valencia Hall, Natchez Alderwoman, Ward 1
Hon. Sarah Carter Smith, Natchez Alderwoman, Ward 3
Hon. Benjamin Davis, Natchez Alderman, Ward 5
Hon. Angela Hutchins, Adams County Board of Supervisors, District 3
Hon. Warren Gaines, Adams County Board of Supervisors, District 5
Mr. Fred Butcher, Natchez Adams School District
Mr. Amos James, Natchez Adams School District
Chief Joseph Daughtry, Natchez Police Chief
Honorable Travis Patten, Adams County Sheriff
Chief Robert Arrington, Natchez Fire Chief
Ms. Marsha Colson, Pilgrimage Garden Club
Mr. Bobby Dennis, Natchez Association for the Preservation of African American Culture
Ms. Deborah Fountain, Historian and Author, “9 From Natchez”
Mrs. Debbie Germany, Natchez/Adams County Chamber of Commerce
Mr. Devin Heath, Visit Natchez
Ms. Mary Lessley, Natchez Garden Club
Ms. Mimi Miller, Natchez Historic Foundation
Dr. Carolyn Myers, Seeds of Change Resource Foundation
Ms. Tuwanna Williams, Natchez, Inc.
Rev. Joan Gandy, First Presbyterian Church, Natchez
Pastor David Green, God’s Way Church
Rev. Clifton Marvel, Greater Macedonia Baptist Church
Father David O’ Connor, St. Mary’s Basilica
Bishop Stanley Searcy, New Hope – The Vision Center
Mr. Pat Biglane, Concordia Bank
Mr. Hayes Dent, Hayes Dent Public Strategies
Mr. Y.Z. Ealey, Natchez Blues Legend
Ms. Wanda Evers, WMPR
Dr. Roderick Givens, Natchez Primary Care
Mr. Tony Heidelberg and Mr. Kevin Preston, Magnolia Bluffs Casino
Ms. Vickey Henderson, Delta Bank
Mr. Malcolm Innis, Owner of WTYJ
Ms. Evelyn Johnson, Matt-Harriett, LLC
Mr. John Norris, Churchill Variety
Ms. Margaret Perkins, Listen Up Y’all Media
Mr. Warren Reuther, The Natchez Grand Hotel/ Monmouth Historic Inn
Mr. Dennis Short, Darby’s Gifts
Mr. Charlie Speed, Region’s Bank
Mr. Marcus Sullivan, Home Bank
Mr. Tate Taylor, Crooked Letter Films
Ms. Emekia Walker, United Mississippi Bank
Ms. Jackie Anderson Woods, WT Consultants
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