DeLand Honors Lee Bailey: Historic Memorial to Lynching Victim Approved

West Rich Avenue, DeLand, Florida, USA - In a poignant step towards honoring the past and fostering community healing, the DeLand City Commission has unanimously approved the installation of a historical marker on West Rich Avenue commemorating the lynching of Lee Bailey, a Black man murdered by a white mob on September 27, 1891. This move, championed by local advocacy group Volusia Remembers in partnership with the Equal Justice Initiative, aims to create a space for reflection on the dark chapters of American history while paving the way for meaningful dialogue about racial justice today. As described by Beacon Online News, the marker signifies a commitment to confronting the legacy of racial terror and cultivating a unified vision for the future.

Volusia Remembers spokesman Reggie Williams made the initial request to the City Commission back in March. Williams’ proposal stirred discussion, particularly among City Commissioner Kevin Reid and Mayor Chris Cloudman, who expressed apprehensions about the marker’s wording. However, fruitful conversations led to revisions that assuaged their concerns, with Reid ultimately endorsing the memorial after ensuring the language captured the essential historical context. Commissioner Richard Paiva articulated his satisfaction with the accuracy of the marker’s content, while Vice Mayor Jessica Davis highlighted its potential to encourage dialogue within the community.

A Historical Context of Lynching

The issue of lynching, particularly in the Southern United States, remains a critical aspect of racial discourse. As reported by the Equal Justice Initiative, there were a staggering 4,075 documented cases of racial terror lynchings of African Americans in twelve Southern states from 1877 to 1950. This figure far exceeds previous estimates, unveiling a darker reality of societal violence aimed at maintaining racial subordination. The implications scope far beyond the past, weaving into today’s system of racial inequalities, including mass incarceration and racially biased justice practices. For many victims, like Lee Bailey, such acts were not crimes but targeted responses to minor social transgressions or demands for basic human rights.

These lynchings were not isolated incidents; they occurred in a public spectacle, often attended by large crowds that included local leaders and citizens, signaling an alarming societal tolerance for this brutality. The trauma inflicted on Black communities during this era is profound and lasting, shaping narratives around race relations that continue to echo today. Moreover, lynching has historically suppressed the recognition and remembrance of its victims, contrasting starkly with the monuments celebrating Confederate figures across the nation.

Local and National Implications

Installed markers like the one in DeLand serve not simply as memorials but as catalysts for broader societal understanding. The lynching of Lee Bailey stands as a reminder of the urgent need for truth and reconciliation regarding America’s racial past. Each historical marker has the potential to spark important conversations about justice, accountability, and community unity. This sentiment was echoed by local residents, who have voiced overwhelming support for remembering such pivotal moments in history, asserting that „there’s something to be said for“ acknowledging our past to shape a more inclusive future.

By taking this significant step, the City of DeLand joins a growing movement to memorialize victims of racial terror, emphasizing the importance of historical truth in realizing equality. As the Equal Justice Initiative has shown, acknowledging these histories is vital for fostering a society that firmly rejects racial terror and embraces a just future. The installation of this marker not only honors Lee Bailey’s memory but also encourages reflection on the broader implications of historical injustices that continue to impact communities across America.

As we look on, there’s much work left to do, and as the momentum builds, these discussions, sparked by memorials like the one in DeLand, could indeed mark a pivotal turn in local and national conversations on racial equity.