Stone Mountain Memorial Association Considers Proposals for a “21st Century Perspective on Stone Mountain Park”
Board Chairman Charges CEO to Review Proposals, Engage Community Leaders and Consult with Experts
DATE: November 18, 2020
CONTACT: Gabrielle Rogers, media@stonemountainaction.org
STONE MOUNTAIN, GA - After two months of cancelling public meetings, the Stone Mountain Memorial Association (SMMA) met on November 16, 2020 and heard from legislators, city leaders, lawyers, educators, concerned residents and leaders from the NAACP, the National Council of Negro Women and the Stone Mountain Action Coalition. The resounding message - the Park must begin making long-overdue changes now.
Media coverage: AJC, WSB-TV, WABE, Associated Press, Georgia Recorder
Below are important updates from the meeting, including the announcement from Chair Ray Stallings Smith III that charged the Park CEO, Bill Stephens, with “leading an effort with the responsibility of reviewing the various proposals, meeting with state and community leaders, consulting with experts and historians and other parties regarding a 21st century perspective on Stone Mountain Park.” View the full statement.
New Committee
SMMA did not share a specific timeline beyond Stephens suggesting, “the committee could make recommendations by next April, May or June” (after Georgia’s legislative session).
SMMA did not share which four individuals would serve on the committee or how they will be selected (board member Gregory Bernard Levett, Sr. asked to serve on it, but no decision was made).
SMMA did not share what proposals will be considered and how they will be evaluated.
SMMA did not share how community input will be incorporated.
Stephens stated, “We’re in favor of additions to the park, not subtractions. But that’s to be determined too.”
Discussion of Changes
Levett attempted to make several motions regarding the inclusion of community members on any task force or committee that is created to address changes to the Park and requesting that the SMMA issue an anti-racism statement. Unfortunately, he was cut off from presenting all of his motions and the matters were tabled until a later time.
Georgia State Representative Billy Mitchell expressed his support for SMAC’s proposals and declared that he will be introducing legislation removing any perceived legal barriers to changes at the Park.
Park Finances
Thankfully, the Park did not include the proposed $358,000 - $563,000 expense for cleaning of the Confederate carving in their 2021 budget (proposal obtained through an open records request).
The net loss after depreciation is budgeted at $4,777,638.
SMMA plans to apply for $1,000,000 funding directly from the Georgia State Finance and Investment Commission (GSFIC).
No updates were provided concerning the fallout from the Park’s management company pulling out due to racial tension and protests.
SMMA Board
Board member Joan Bostick Thomas was elected Vice-Chair (view all board members).
Governor Kemp appointed new board member Christopher Collier, Executive Corporate Counsel at Ely Corporation.
About the Stone Mountain Action Coalition
The Stone Mountain Action Coalition is an advocacy network of concerned citizens, political leaders, community organizations, faith-based groups and businesses who are dedicated to supporting constructive solutions and ideas that reflect a new, shared vision for the Stone Mountain Park. The Coalition is advocating for short and long-term changes to help build a path forward by developing a community-driven approach to transform the park into a more inclusive, and economically sustainable destination.
For more information visit: www.stonemountainaction.org
Media contact: Gabrielle Rogers, media@stonemountainaction.org