MURPHYSBORO, IL (WSIL) -- Murphysboro may soon be home to a statue honoring a pioneering southern Illinois African American.
Mayor Will Stephens wants to honor a former resident by renaming "Town Center Park" to "Carl Lee Park."
Stephens is also working with several civic groups on plans to construct a statue or monument in the park in honor of Lee.
was principal of Douglas School in Murphysboro, and afterwards continued to work to benefit children until he died in the early 1980's.
"He did a lot for disadvantaged and poor folks in Murphysboro of all races," said Stephens. "There are many stories of him providing clothes and shoes and paying for books for young people before and after segregation."
Stephens says the city is currently looking at several grants to help fund the project.
