BOSTON (AP) — A group advocating to rename Faneuil Hall because of its namesake’s ties to slavery will re-enact a slave auction outside the historic downtown building this weekend.
The New Democracy Coalition says Saturday’s event is designed to call attention to Boston’s history of slavery.
The building known as the Cradle of Liberty is named after Peter Faneuil, a wealthy 18th century slave owner who financed construction as a gift to the city.
New Democracy Coalition Spokesman Barry Lawton says the city has been “desensitized to the offense of memorializing a slaver and a trafficker like Peter Faneuil.” The group has suggested naming the building after Crispus Attucks, a black man killed during the 1770 Boston Massacre.
Mayor Marty Walsh has said “We can’t erase history, but we can learn from it.”
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