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Rock Island group calls for federal grant return due to lack of Black community input

Rock Island received just over $33,500 to build historical markers showcasing the city's Black history.

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — One local group is calling on Rock Island leaders to return a federal grant meant to highlight Black history.

The city received just over $33,500 to build about 10 historical markers showcasing Rock Island's Black history.

"There are a number of people that have feedback," Rock Island Interim City Manager John Gripp said.

The Rock Island Coalition of African American Stakeholders said there's been no feedback when it comes to the grant.

"We didn't feel that the Black community was engaged," coalition member Gaye Shannon Burnett said.

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The coalition was created out of the anger centered on the grant, which it said should go back to the federal government.

"We're saying, no, you need to talk to us. You need to come to us. You need to ask us," Burnett said.

The coalition said the city's plans for the grant money have not included input from Black community leaders.

"They're not qualified as historians, and why would they even know what it's like to be an African American here?" Burnett said.

"I think the desire of the grant comes from a good place," Gripp said. "I just think we need to make sure everyone's involved."

The federal grant is on the agenda to be discussed at the Rock Island City Council meeting on Monday, Feb. 14.

"It's important that they get as much information as they can about how this came about," Gripp said, "how we got here today, so they can form a decision."

The coalition said any decision must include the voices of those who truly know the Black experience in Rock Island.

"You have a rich resource of Black professionals that are actually trained in doing these things," Burnett said.

The group said it hopes the city will redevelop the plan with the same focus that includes everyone. 

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