'Serves no purpose': Rally for removal of Confederate monument at Wilson courthouse

The monument is located outside the Wilson County Courthouse at 115 Nash St.

The monument was commissioned by United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1926.

Organizers at the rally on Wednesday said the monument is a symbol of racism and division in the county.

Years ago, Wilson County removed two water fountains beside the monument that were separated by race.

One attendee said he believes it is time for the whole monument to come down.

"They took the water fountain down but they left the monument up," said Terry Griffin. "I think the monument is actually more intimidating and frustrating than the water fountain because it serves no purpose but one that is motivating hatred bigotry segregation ... everything that we fought to get rid of."

The protesters were calling on the city and the county to remove this monument within 30 days. They said, if it hasn't come down by then, they plan to come back for another peaceful protest.

Rally organizers made a flyer, saying "It's time to take it down!"

"The flag and monument represents a force that not only fought for states' rights, but their philosophy included maintaining slavery in Wilson," the flyer said.

Organizers said in the flyer that it's not right that taxpayers have to see this monument in a public place.