Harrison Co. Commission Again Discusses Removal of Confederate Statue, Doesn’t Put It To A Vote

The Harrison County Commission revisited a discussion on the possible removal of a statute of Confederate Gen. Stonewall Jackson that sits in front of the courthouse in Clarksburg.

During the Wednesday meeting — which was held by Zoom — a majority of speakers spoke against the statue’s removal. 

Many said such an action would be “erasing history” and others referred to Jackson — who owned slaves — as a hero.

But the meeting was not without additional controversy. 

While West Virginia Black History Festival Chair James Griffin was speaking in favor of the statue’s removal, several people attending virtually hijacked his allotted time. Griffith was continuously interrupted by explicit rap songs played through the audio feed. The “n-word” was clearly broadcast to virtual attendees.

A motion to vote on the statue’s removal failed to get a second from commissioners and no vote on the issue was taken.

In June, following similar discussion, the commission rejected a motion to remove the statue.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misidentified the name of a man speaking to the commission. His name has since been corrected.