The Smithsonian Wants to Preserve Gazebo Where Tamir Rice was Shot

ashley.rae | May 3, 2016
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The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture is interested in preserving the gazebo where 12-year-old Tamir Rice was shot and killed by police in 2014 because of its “importance to African-American history.”

According to Fox 8 Cleveland, the City of Cleveland, Rice’s mother, and Black Lives Matter activists are currently in talks with the museum about preserving the gazebo, which was scheduled for demolition on May 2.

Cleveland.com reports William Pretzer, the museum’s Senior History Curator, told Cleveland Law Director Barbara Langhenry the museum is interested in “preserving the gazebo, given its importance to African-American history.”

Subodh Chandra, the lawyer for Rice’s family, told Cleveland.com Rice’s mother originally wanted to see the gazebo replaced with a “tasteful, modest” memorial to her son.

However, in an interview with Cleveland.com, Chandra said Rice’s mother “understood the historic importance of (the gazebo) and was supportive of the concept if the museum is interested in acquiring it and will handle the matter in a tasteful and appropriate way.”

It is unclear whether the gazebo will be relocated to the museum in Washington, D.C., which is scheduled to open on Sept. 24.

While Fox 8 Cleveland reports the city is delaying the demolition by 30 days for the talks, Cleveland.com reports Pretzer requested the demolition be delayed for 60 days.

Rice was shot and killed by police after officers received a call about an individual pointing a gun at people in a park. When police arrived, Rice was reaching in his waistband. The gun Rice was using was a toy.

Rice’s death led to massive outcry within the black community and sparked Black Lives Matter protests across the country.

Rice’s family received a $6 million settlement last month after filing a wrongful death lawsuit against Cleveland.

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