I am writing today on behalf of the ADL (Anti-Defamation League) Washington, D.C. Regional Office, to echo the concerns of our community partners who are calling for the removal of the “Talbot Boys” monument from the county courthouse lawn.
As you may know, since 1913 ADL has been a leading anti-hate organization with a mission to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment for all. Considering our mission, and our expertise with respect to symbols of hate and white supremacy, we often speak out in response to public symbols that evoke our nation’s ugly legacy of slavery and racism.
The “Talbot Boys” statue is one such monument. Honoring and/or glorifying those who sought to perpetuate the institution of slavery in our nation is antithetical to our aspirations for full and equal participation in our democracy, free from discrimination and bias. Allowing this statute to continue to stand on government property, and in particular, in front of the county courthouse, conveys a strong message to all who seek to access our judicial system that racism and hatred are accepted by Talbot County.
Our monuments signal our values. While displays of certain confederate symbols may be appropriate in the context of museums, historical reenactments and/or textbooks, these symbols of hate and oppression have absolutely no place in official government displays.
Removing this offensive Talbot Boys monument from its current location would send a resounding message that your administration is sensitive to the horrors and wounds of slavery, and the lived experiences of people of color in our country today. We therefore urge you to remove this offensive monument from its current location without delay.
Meredith R. Weisel
Senior Associate Regional Director
Anti-Defamation League Washington, D.C. Regional Office
Keith Watts says
Thank you to the ADL. For almost as long as “The Talbot Boys” has looked down on the site of The Talbot Slave Market, the Anti-Defamation League has been a force for change, a champion of our nation’s values and a shield against hate and extremism.
“How wonderful it is,” said Anne Frank, “that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” On Tuesday night, the five distinguished members of the Talbot County Council will have their moment — to improve our world.
The time is nigh. Relocate “The Talbot Boys.” With respect and dignity. “The time is always right,” said Martin Luther King, Jr., “to do what is right.”
Equally important, if not more so, is the Council’s chance to lead the community in healing. All we have is now.
What better way to show the triumph of freedom over slavery, life over death, love over hate than something — alive. Something alive, that breathes the very air we breathe; something alive, firmly anchored in the earth; something alive, that embraces all and reaches towards the heavens.
Recently, we celebrated Easton Council President John Ford and his “Life of Purpose.” His unselfish service. As part of that celebration, a tree was planted at the gateway to the “Rails To Trails Park” near John’s home.
Perhaps the County Council could undertake to plant another tree. One that could take root in front of Talbot County’s Courthouse — a sapling from the tree that stood behind Anne Frank’s house in Amsterdam. The tree Anne looked at every day of her life. A “healing tree.”
https://www.annefrank.com/about-us
https://www.annefrank.com/50state
For Talbot County, Anne Frank’s tree growing near Frederick Douglass would be a living emblem of hope. It would stand as a vibrant symbol — not just of hope, but of all that is good in the world — and the love for all mankind.
Respectfully,
Keith Alan Watts
Tilghman’s Island