Sean Clark

Sep. 22, 2016

Confederate Statue Causing Civil Strife

UNTs College of Democrats is attempting to relocate a confederate statue located on the

Historic Denton Square. The statue is an archway which stands in front of the courthouse,

complete with a confederate soldier on top and two separate water fountains on either side of the

installation.

Whether or not the fountains were originally meant to be segregated when it was erected

in 1918 is still debated today, however the plaque located on the statute does not make any

reference to them.

While the statue is controversial for obvious reasons, Dentonites opinions about the piece

are split.
 Plenty of people, mainly students, are very upset about it, said Jacob Romee, president

of College of Dems group on campus. A lot of people are for it and against it. Romee went on

to explain how the statue was built during the Jim Crow era and stands for more than what it

claims to on the plaque.

[The statue] was erected during a segregated time, not the 1860s, Romee said. It gives

a strong feeling of not being welcome in an area where a large part of Dentons shopping and

dining take place.

Some students feel so strongly that they outcry hate for the statue. Vice president of the

College of Dems Kendra Bowens said that it is a horrible and awful thing.

That statue is a reminder of what it stood for with its two fountains, Bowens said.

Even though the student population feels strongly against the installation, Denton

residents and community activists are the ones blazing the trail for the addressal of the statue.

It reminds me of a time which was not good for me and my fellow [colored] people,

explained activist Willie Hudspeth.

Hudspeth has attempted to relocate the statue since 1990 when he first approached the

city of Denton with his complaint about the piece. Since his original plight, Hudspeth now is

now focusing on adding in more pieces to the square instead of relocating the original.

I am persuading the county commissioner to add some more historical items to the

square, Hudspeth said. Were looking at indian, hispanic and even more white history being

added.

Hudspeth explained that the statue will continue to haunt him and his heritage, but for

now he is focusing on the future of the next generation.

 I want to be able to take my grandchildren and my great grandchildren to the square here

in Denton and show them some real history, something they can be proud of.

The city is still addressing the statue and a small campaign has been founded by the

College of Dems group to help support Hudspeth in gaining a following to approach the city

council.