Boston activists are fighting to get their voices heard. They are protesting have the name of Faneuil Hall changed because of its ties to slavery.
Addressing racism
According to a report with WBUR, the activists chained themselves to the doors of the building on Wednesday, Oct. 19.
These activists are also members of the clergy. According to them, the historic building needed to change its name changed because its namesake was a known slave owner.
According to the report, the activists escalated their campaign to have their voices heard.
The need for racial repair
Rev. John Gibbons told attendees that this was an "urgent and faithful appeal for racial repair."
He addressed the crowds emphasizing the need for real and lasting racial justice in Boston. The reverend pointed out that justice in the community was elusive, and that they were working to get it.
According to an article with the National Park Service, Peter Faneuil was a wealthy colonial merchant. Throughout his life, he traded goods that were produced by slave labor. When Faneuil died, he held five enslaved individuals.
The article said that his ample fortune made him one of the wealthiest men in Boston.
The three activists are all clergy members. They chained themselves together to one of the entrances to Faneuil Hall that faced Quincy Market.
They told reporters that they had two demands. The activists sought an audience with Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.
The activists also demanded that the city council held a hearing to consider renaming Faneuil Hall.
Calling Mayor Wu
Rev. Kevin Peterson of the Metropolitan Baptist Church in Dorchester stressed the importance of addressing racism. He added that politicians needed to make it their priority to ensure that old hurts such as this one would be erased.
He added that those politicians who chose to ignore this issue were cowards.
Pastor Valerie Copeland of the Neighborhood Church of Dorchester pointed out that symbolism mattered. She added that naming a historical building after a slave trader only sent the wrong message.
She stressed that Faneuil was someone who did not deserve to be celebrated.
The activists explained they were forced to take drastic measures because Mayor Wu ignored them.
According to the protestors, Mayor Wu ignored their requests to have a meeting with them. They said that they were prepared to be arrested for their actions.
The news outlet tried to reach out to the city spokesperson for the Mayor's comment on the matter. They refused to comment on the matter.
The spokesperson released an official statement saying that the City of Boston was known for its role in the founding of America.
They admitted that it was critical to address the role of slavery in the founding of the nation. There were still deep inequities that remain to this day.
The spokesperson enjoined Bostonians to know their history. They assured the public that racial justice and learning from the past was their utmost priority.
The crowd cheered and clapped along as the protestors led them in singing “Woke Up This Morning With My Mind Stayed On Freedom.
More from Crossmap: The Church of the Incarnation ‘Jubilate Vocal Ensemble’ music review postponed
