Removal of Forrest remains begins with confrontation and threats
Shelby County Commissioner Tami Sawyer removes a Confederate flag hanging from the fence surrounding the grave of Nathan Bedford Forrest June 1, 2021. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
A small Confederate flag hangs on a fence as constructions crews hired by the family of Nathan Bedford Forrest work to dismantle his grave in Health Sciences Park June 1, 2021. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
Constructions crews hired by the family of Nathan Bedford Forrest work to dismantle his grave in Health Sciences Park June 1, 2021. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
A man who identified himself as K-Rack Johnson replaces a confederate flag removed by Shelby County Commissioner Tami Sawyer after a June 1, 2021 press conference in Health Sciences Park. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
Shelby County Commissioner Van Turner comforts his fellow commissioner Tami Sawyer after an emotional press conference where she was confronted by a pro-confederate man who identified himself as K-Rack Johnson June 1, 2021. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
A man who identified himself as K-Rack Johnson sings "Dixie" while waving a confederate flag behind Shelby County Commissioner Tami Sawyer during a June 1, press conference in Health Sciences Park. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
A man who identified himself as K-Rack Johnson yells at Shelby County Commissioner Tami Sawyer during a June 1, press conference in Health Sciences Park. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
The process of relocating the remains of Nathan Bedford Forrest and his wife began Tuesday at Health Sciences Park. The scene quickly became tense after workers put up Confederate flags around the site and began dumping debris on the letters of a Black Lives Matter mural around the monument.
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Health Sciences Park Nathan Bedford Forrest Confederate monuments Tami SawyerBill Dries on demand
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Bill Dries
Bill Dries covers city and county government and politics. He is a native Memphian and has been a reporter for more than 40 years.