STARKVILLE, Miss. (WTVA) -- There is a park located in downtown Starkville that is close to completion but has become the focus of some controversy.
Members of the Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors met with local residents to decide on how best to complete a civil rights monument in Unity Park.
County residents met with supervisors to jumpstart an effort on figuring out which names are most suitable for the monument.
Already there are plaques containing the names of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Gov. William Winter, A. Phillip Randolph and former President John F. Kennedy.
"I think we got some questions answered and some direction, especially about doing a dedication," said Ava Moore, Starkville resident. "[We will] then work out the logistics later on."
As the Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors waits for the final names to be submitted, it's up to the committee to come up with them and agree upon them before making a recommendation on which ones should be included on the final two plaques.
"It did take a struggle for brave and courageous individuals with a lot of courage to be able to get us where we are today," District 5 Supervisor Joe Williams said.
The importance of Unity Park can be addressed by the special meaning it has with each person.
While some may view it as a park, others see the value and importance it has with history.
"It's a place where you can come and kind of reflect," adds Moore. "When you look at the pictures and information on the walls as to where Oktibbeha County has come from and also understand that, you reflect that there are still things you need to do."
Once all the details are agreed upon, all that remains is an actual dedication.
"Maybe as soon as the weather breaks, we can have a dedication," Moore said. "Everybody needs to look forward to that."
The next meeting with the newly formed committee and the Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for next Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
