Pastors Chris Williamson (Strong Tower Bible Church), Kevin Riggs (Franklin Community Church) and supporters will deliver a petition that has garnered over 40,000 signatures in less than 1 week to the State Capitol Commission meeting Wednesday, calling for the Commission to take up a motion to move the bust of Nathan Bedford Forrest, the KKK’s First Grand Wizard, out of the Capitol.
Pastors Williamson &
Riggs
Here are the event details, for those who would like to join.
The Petition was started by the Tennessee Holler, and can be viewed HERE.
40,000 and climbing
Although Forrest was a Democrat, Tennessee Democrats have unanimously called for the bust’s removal, and in recent weeks even Republican leaders have begun to as well – including House Republican caucus leader Jeremy Faison, grandson of a confederate colonel, who says conversation with Rep. GA Hardaway and reading Forrest’s own writings helped convince him.
Governor Lee has said he would ask the Capitol Commission to take up the issue, but has not done so.
WHY PEOPLE SIGNED
He also said he will work to change the law declaring July 13th Nathan Bedford Forrest Day, but has not taken measures to do that yet either.
Pastors Williamson and Riggs have asked to be able to speak briefly at the commission meeting.
MEMBERS OF THE Capitol Commission