ROCHESTER, N.Y.-- Residents who voiced their concern said they’re about to turn up the heat. The county's decision to keep the 'racist' panel on the Dentzel Carousel up is not sitting well.
"There's nothing to interpret, the history is clear," Howard Eagle, a member of Race and Education Action and Change Work Group said.
But yet, Sunday people came to Ontario Beach Park to see and try to understand it for themselves.
"It's part of a larger reality by which the entertainment industry bought into and help perpetuate the whole idea of Minstrel Shows," Eagle explained.
On Wednesday, Eagle and a group from 'Facing Race, Embracing Equity,' voiced their concerns to the city's preservation board.
Less than 24 hours later, the county, which manages and operates the carousel, announced it wasn't going to alter the panel, but rather add interpretive panels to explain its history.
We asked on Sunday if someone from the county could give an explanation on the decision. The response from a county spokesperson was there's nothing to add until plans are in place with the Landmark Society of Western New York and they begin to work out the finer points on the panels.
Landmark Society of Western New York, Executive Director Wayne Goodman tells us 'this is an exciting project to be a part of.'
Eagle said he understands the 110-year-old carousel is historic, but this panel is a form of pickaninny, and it just needs to go.
"It’s part of the racist white supremacist historical reality of this nation and that's what people need to understand," Howard said. "We are not talking about destroying it, we are saying let's take it down and figure out as a community the best way to utilize it as this so called 'teachable moment.'
Proving yet again, this debate may continue to go around and around.
Eagle said he wants to make the community aware the week of Aug.16th, there will be a 'loud action.' He added more details will be released at a later date.