Poor farm owner asks for sign
Staff writer
A grave marker at the county’s former poor farm has the property owner worried.
The marker reads “Negro Boy,” and poor farm owner Nancy Marr is worried that current racial tension might lead to someone getting hurt.
“I’m qualified to speak of sociology and anthropology,” Marr told county commissioners Monday. “Not only that, I’m an independent researcher. I observe society. It’s just my nature.
“I fear as we watch the news, there’s all this propaganda and exaggeration. I’m afraid the black boys are going to come to that cemetery and hurt a white person.”
Marr asked that a sign be erected at the grave, but commission chairman Jonah Gehring disagreed.
“Personally, I think the best way to not draw attention to it is to not draw attention to it,” Gehring said.
After Marr discussed her experiences with people of color while working in Wichita schools, Gehring cut her off.
“I’m going to have to end this,” Gehring said.
Before leaving, Marr continued her request.
“I suggest you make a larger sign explaining that it is not a boy, it’s a man,” she said.