ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- It has withstood the test of time for 110 years at Lake Ontario Park. The paintings around the Dentzel Carousel are just one piece of the historic ride that brings smiles to all ages.
"You got horses, you got cats, lions, tigers and giraffes," said Michael Jenks of Rochester.
Yet there's one picture that's causing some to cringe.
"We are talking about one panel that depicts African American children, by extension, African American people, in a very negative, derogatory and racist manor," said Howard Eagle of Rochester.
Eagle said it's an example of pickaninny, a form of entertainment which dates back to the 1800s.
"Racist white actors went around the nation entertaining white people by portraying African American people,' Eagle explained.
Eagle was one of about a dozen people from an initiative called 'Facing Race, Embracing Equity,' who came to educate the city's preservation board at their meeting Wednesday night.
"One of the goals that we've been pressing forward is anti-racist education," said Judith Davis, a member of the clergy at Community of the Savior.
The group is also asking after more than 10 decades, the panel be taken down. The county operates the carousel, but it's owned by the city of Rochester.
"The 110 year old carousel, which appears in its original state, was designated as an official landmark by the City of Rochester in 1980. Any alterations would likely require approval by the City Preservation Board. Therefore, we look forward to their feedback," said Justin Feasel, the director of communications for Monroe County in a statement.
Municipal Attorney Thomas Warth explained the county would need to make the first move though.
"The county manages and runs it as if it was the owner until 2060, so only they have any option of proposing a change," Warth said.
Much like how the image moves, the fate of the controversial image will continue to go round and round for now. Even though he finds the images disturbing, Jenks hopes they remain.
"I think it would be good to just leave the picture there," Jenks said. "It's been there since 1905."
Eagle said they're prepared for a bumpy ride.
"(We will take) if necessary more drastic measures to take it down," Eagle said.
Wayne Goodman, executive director of the Landmark Society of Western New York Wayne Goodman wrote on the issue:
“We've heard some feedback on this issue. Our organization is interested in the preservation of the resource as a whole. I believe there to be several courses that the city and county could pursue, but our position is that we would be interested in assisting the city and county with any needed preservation technical assistance requested. Our organization's focus needs to be aimed at the resource, which we have commended the community for preserving for over 110 years. It is an exceptionally rare resource. Whatever the community decides, we would provide technical assistance if needed. Since we do not own, operate or control the carousel, our involvement needs to remain tied to our mission. I think the community as a whole is the appropriate voice for an issue like this.”