NEWPORT, Ky. — A Northern Kentucky mural is at the center of a conflict.

Since the summer months, two artists have spent time painting a 19 panel mural along the flood wall in Newport, a project that’s funded by the city.

But now, one of the mural panels is coming under scrutiny because it commemorates the founder of Newport, who was a slave owner.

It’s the second painting in the series of murals which depicts General James Taylor, founder of Newport in 1795.

“I can see several different places where they could add some symbolism or a representation of the slaves that he owned,” said Chris Brown, a community activist. Historically, General Taylor owned anywhere from 40 to 50 slaves. 

Brown is calling for a more transparent depiction of General Taylor, a person whose contributions are evident in Northern Kentucky from street signs to town names.

“If you’re going to tell the story, then tell it in its entirety. Everything that he was able to accomplish, he did on the backs of slaves. Now is that our history? Sure it is. Do we need to tell that story? Absolutely,” Brown said. “But tell the story and let's be transparent. The mural behind me shows me nothing, there’s nothing that depicts slavery. There’s no symbolism in it.”

Newport City Manager Thomas Fromme spoke with Spectrum News 1 over the phone due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“This is merely commemorating the anniversary and the founding of the City of Newport. And it tells a story of Newport's birth and Newport's where we’re at today. And without that it would not be a story, there would be no Newport and there would be no purpose in doing any murals,” Fromme said.

Fromme says there have been several on-going meetings with not only the committee overseeing the mural project but also Newport residents and community activists including Brown. 

“Well it was paused for a little bit because we wanted to have further input and they’ve had meetings with a variety of people about it and I understand and respect everyone’s opinion. We all do,” Fromme said. The discussions are evolving and Brown wanted to make this clarification known.

“I am not opposed to them painting a mural with James Taylor. I am opposed, I am opposed to the lack of transparency and representation of the slaves that he owned that build Newport for him," Brown said.

Brown said she acknowledges and appreciates the City’s effort and willingness to have conversations on this project.