Chamber supports Confederate monument removal

Statement Regarding the Removal of the Confederate Statue in Lee Square

The Greater Pensacola Chamber is dedicated to creating a vibrant community that is rich in talent and resources. Our organization is committed to the ideals of excellence, prosperity, innovation and responsible growth for every person, business, and organization.

After a robust and honest discussion at our June board meeting, the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted to support the removal of the Confederate monument from Lee Square in Pensacola.

The Greater Pensacola Chamber supports ongoing efforts to increase inclusiveness and understanding with a desire for our community to grow stronger, together. A monument that is offensive to a significant and critical part of our community, and visitors to our area does not help us achieve that goal.

And while we believe there are appropriate ways that history can be respected and used to educate, a public monument that causes this amount of divisiveness in our community only takes away from those objectives.

As this conversation continues, we would ask that all participants to engage in thoughtful and respectful debate. We look forward to the citizens of Pensacola and Escambia County continuing to demonstrate that we can have these conversations in a positive, productive manner.

Share:

Author: Rick Outzen

Rick Outzen is the publisher/owner of Pensacola Inweekly. He has been profiled in The New York Times and featured in several True Crime documentaries. Rick also is the author of the award-winning Walker Holmes thrillers. His latest nonfiction book is “Right Idea, Right Time: The Fight for Pensacola’s Maritime Park.”