Boston Taking Steps To Recognize Long Ties To Slavery
BOSTON (AP) — Boston is taking a step toward recognizing the role slavery played at one of its most visited landmarks.
Democratic Mayor Mary Walsh's administration has proposed spending $315,000 to restore 17th- and 18th-century artifacts found beneath Faneuil Hall as part of a project highlighting Boston's role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
The proposal is among 56 community preservation projects worth $34 million that Walsh submitted to the City Council this month.
Kevin Peterson, of the New Democracy Coalition, praised the proposal but said Boston still needs to hold a public hearing on renaming the historic hall, which was financed by wealthy 18th-century slave owner Peter Faneuil.
Walsh has opposed the name change idea but has expressed support for establishing a slavery memorial at the site.
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