Black Caucus says Forrest is not a “hero”

	Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators Chair G. A. Hardaway; image submitted

NASHVILLE, TN — In response to inquiries about the suggestion made at Thursday’s Capitol Commission meeting that the Nathan Bedford Forrest bust be placed as part of a “hall of heroes” with other military monuments at the Tennessee State Museum, Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators Chair G. A. Hardaway released the following statement:

"Nathan Bedford Forrest was a Confederate soldier; he is neither a Tennessee hero, nor an American hero.

Heroes are men and women of high character and noble deeds, whose lives were representative of the common values shared by the people of The Great State of Tennessee.

It's the TBCSL's understanding and desire that the Tennessee State Museum be allowed to perform their educational and preservationist duties without being hobbled by undue political influence and propaganda.

We will be seeking advice from our legal counsel and further clarification from the principals involved, including the Capitol Commission, the Historical Commission and the Tennessee State Museum on this matter.

Those responses will help to guide the actions of the TBCSL going forward.

The oral and written testimony offered by witnesses, especially TBCSL members, before the Capitol Commission reaffirmed that Nathan Bedford Forrest is neither a Tennessee hero nor an American hero.

TBCSL members acknowledge and appreciate the recent progress in racial reckoning and eagerly await advancing racial reconciliation in Tennessee."

Source: Tennessee Capitol

Published July 12, 2020