2001 VA column gets recognized nationally even if is considered invisible by state leaders in 2008

With the upcoming 2008 memorial dedication at the State Capitol, the leading 2001 article that has been declared invisible and never read here in Virginia by government leaders [even though a version of it also appeared on the top website covering state government and it was discussed openly] at least gets recognition nationally.

INCOMPLETE HISTORY CAPITOL SQUARE ISN'T TRUE REFLECTION OF VIRGINIA'S PAST
[FINAL Edition]

Daily Press - Newport News, Va.
Author: PAUL GOLDMAN Special to the Daily Press
Date: Aug 19, 2001
Start Page: I.1
Section: OUTLOOK
Text Word Count: 852

Abstract (Document Summary)
Gov. Gilmore and his administration concede our state capitol grounds will be the center of attention for hundreds of thousands of new tourists and the world media. Unfortunately, our governor and his fellow politicians appear to only see this event in terms of the money, estimated in the tens of millions, it will cost to repair and refurbish the Capitol Square grounds and facilities. Admittedly, Jefferson's Capitol, home to the oldest legislature in the new world and the governor's office, needs immediate and expensive maintenance.

All the new construction materials will not hide the obvious: there is not a single statue on the Capitol Square featuring an African-American or a female Virginian. The last new statue erected on the grounds was the likeness of Harry F. Byrd, the foremost segregationist in Virginia political history.

Staff photos (color) by BUDDY NORRIS; No statues on Richmond's Capitol grounds represent African- Americans or women. Those honored include Thomas J. Jackson, left, for his service as a soldier and patriot, Hunter Holmes McGuire, center, a civil and military surgeon, teacher and writer and William Smith, governor of Virginia in the mid-1800s. The newest statue on the state Capitol grounds is of harry Byrd. It faces the monument to George Washinton and the Capitol building. Staff photo (b&w) by BUDDY NORRIS Workers reconstruct walkways around the Capitol this week.

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