MEMPHIS, TN -
(WMC-TV) - Memphis City Councilman Myron Lowery had not planned for his proposal to get emotional.
Particularly the display Tuesday that ended with Councilwoman Janis Fullilove leaving the meeting in tears.
The council delayed a controversial proposal to add Ida B. Wells' name to Forrest Park.
The council is waiting for Lowery to return from President Barack Obama's inauguration.
Lowery said Wells, a newspaper owner who documented lynching in the United States, is a good fit for the park.
"Because she represents what is so opposing to Nathan Bedford Forrest. What better way to balance those we honor?" he said.
Councilman Harold Collins said city leaders have better things to do.
"A dead person and his horse, we need to move forward," said Collins.
Collins said the council should be focusing on education or the crime rate.
"In some respects, I understand why people say this is a waste of time don't bother with it. They don't want to tackle the hard issues," said Lowery.
Collins said the park is a reminder for African-Americans.
"Had he not stood up and said he's for white power, for keeping the black family down, then African-Americans would have never risen up," said Collins.
Copyright 2013 WMC-TV. All rights reserved.
