Gadsden County removes Confederate statue in Quincy

June 11, 2020

QUINCY, Fla. (WCTV) — The Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to remove the Confederate statue from the grounds of the county courthouse in Quincy.

Less than 30 minutes after the county commissioners voted,

. Dozens of residents gathered around the county courthouse.

Some said they are relieved it's now gone.

"It just felt like a weight was being lifted in a sense, and that maybe some better spirits will flow around this place" attorney Charles Gee said.

"Well, as a black person, I fell elated simply because now we can move on," County Commissioner Brenda Holt said.

Others, like Samuel Hood, feel the statue represents this community's history.

"I fell a struggle that came through in our lifetime," Hood said. "I feel people were fighting for different reasons, for their livelihood."

Hood said he believes the statue should've stayed.

"Let this statue stand," he said. "There is no need to drag us through this anymore. What we believe in is unity and peace."