Illinois officials consider options to save mural
EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. (AP) — A mosaic mural in western Illinois that once caused controversy for its depiction of a freed black slave is at risk of being destroyed.
The Edwardsville mural in the old City Hall building originally featured a freed slave with ropes dangling from his wrists. It was changed about 30 years ago to feature a farmer with a hoe over his shoulder after public backlash.
The building's last occupants have relocated and officials have approved a developer's plan to buy and demolish the facility, the Belleville News-Democrat reported . Developer Randy Gori estimates that demolition will begin six months after closing the deal.