The Say Their Names Memorial was created in 2020 in response to the murders of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery. The memorial honored other Black lives lost to violence including Aidan Ellison who was killed by a white man in Ashland after complaining about Ellison’s loud music.

The memorial has been vandalized three times and the most recent incident happened earlier this year, the Rogue Valley Times reported. Community organizers gathered to repair the memorial earlier this month and are planning a more permanent installation in Ashland Creek Park. Micah BlackLight is a multidisciplinary artist and teacher. His design has been selected for the permanent installation. Cassie Preskenis is a community activist and public art advocate. They join us.