Eugenics Victims Honored in Raleigh
Monday, June 22 2009
by Eric Hodge
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English Scientist Sir Francis Galton popularized the idea of Eugenics. (Photo: NC Department of Cultural Resources)
Surviving victims of a state sponsored eugenics program will be among those attending a ceremony this afternoon on Jones Street in Raleigh, where a state historical marker will be unveiled to honor those victims. State Representative Larry Womble has been pushing for the recognition.
"Out of those 7,600 that the state sterilized, only about 2 to 3 thousand of them are still living today," Womble says. "North Carolina is one of only 3 or 4 states where the governor has formally apologized. Now we are having this monument in recognition of those victims that the state sterilized."
Womble says he also wants to see history of the program become part of the public school curriculum in the state. He says some of the survivors will speak at Monday's event.
