The City Council of Salisbury held a special work session on Monday to address the racial violence that plagued the city’s past. The session discussed the possibility of issuing a formal apology for the lynching deaths of three black men from 1898 to 1931. The resolution, written by the Wicomico NAACP Branch and the Wicomico Truth and Reconciliation Initiative, is currently under review by the city’s legal counsel.
Among the victims were Garfield King, Matthew Williams, and an unidentified middle-aged male. The county’s NAACP chapter also revealed that some city officials at the time were directly involved in the lynching. It was confirmed that the then-Police Chief Nicholas Holland led the mob that kidnapped Williams, and Fire Chief Frederick Grier, Jr. provided the rope for Williams’ lynching.
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LaTanya Christopher, a descendant of Garfield King, spoke at the council meeting, emphasizing the need for a formal apology to address this painful chapter in the city’s history. She stated that the purpose of the apology is not to seek vengeance but to learn and heal as a community. Christopher proposed that educational programs be offered to discuss this era of racial violence to prevent its repetition and to remember those impacted by such violence.
Monica Brooks, President of the Wicomico County NAACP, called the resolution a long-overdue opportunity for reconciliation. She expressed her hope that the resolution would bring closure to the families affected by the lynching deaths.
James Yamakawa, a board member of the Truth and Reconciliation Initiative, acknowledged that the resolution had been a slow process but highlighted the importance of acknowledging the city’s history. Salisbury City Council President D’Shawn Doughty recognized the significance of hearing from the community in order to move forward and be accountable for past shortcomings.
The newly elected members of the City Council are currently considering the resolution, which outlines the events surrounding the deaths of these men and the individuals responsible. The resolution also includes a formal apology to the known descendants of the victims and the black community at large for the city’s role in these acts of racial terrorism.
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The resolution will be discussed further at the regular legislative session on Monday, December 11th.
