To the editor:

We the Bristol Committee for the Middle Passage Port Markers Project wish to thank the Town Council for graciously receiving us and approving selected site for the Slavery Memorial at Independence Park. As stated at the meeting, we reached a consensus with public input that the park was the ideal site, particularly because of its location near to our harbor.

We will now embark upon a similar process of involving the public as we look to the design of the memorial, which will be in keeping with the massing and materials of the other two existing sites, the Revolutionary War memorial and the Columbus memorial, to create harmony among the three.

The approved site for our memorial will be in the northwest corner of the park where mostly foliage now exists. It will be roughly 12 X 12’ and form a triangle with the other two structures. The pedestrian path will lead people to visit the memorial with its theme of remembrance and reconciliation, as a symbol of healing.

Now much more work begins and fundraising is a big part of this. The committee of volunteers is operating under the umbrella of the Bristol Historical & Preservation Society. All interested parties in helping to defray the costs of the memorial may write a check to the BHPS at 48 Court St. Bristol, and note in the credit line that the check is specifically for the Middle Passage Memorial. All donations will be tax-deductible.

We will announce the timing for another public meeting, seeking the input from our community on the design for the memorial. Please stay tuned as it will take some time to create the artwork possibilities for this community project at Independence Park. We will also later be creating something in the Wood Street area as a memorial to the free black citizens of Bristol who lived and worked there, telling their stories of New Goree.

Thanks to all of Bristol for being supportive of this memorial now being planned for Independence Park. We look forward to our continued community involvement.

Stephan Brigidi
Highland Rd.