To the editor:

I was unaware of the monument to slaves in Barrington and was glad to learn of it, its history, and of the concern over offensive language. I applaud the action taken by the town council to attempt to identify and reach out to any descendants. That could be difficult, as U.S. Census did not record any names of slaves until after Emancipation.

As a citizen of Barrington, I would hate to see this small piece of history lost, as it is a recognition of a shameful part of our past. I hope the council decides to replace the monument without disturbing gravesites. A new plaque could have language something like “In memory of those men, women, and their children enslaved in servitude to colonial Barrington families.” Changing “faithfully serving” to “enslaved servitude” and changing “descendants” to “children” keeps what I believe was the intent of the monument while providing blunt and unambiguous words. This new tone is in keeping with recent efforts to instill both regret and a new understanding of inequality. It could also have the notation that it replaced the 1903 original [new date]. Certainly, input from any located descendants should be considered.

Jorie Allen

Barrington