Implement the plan with attention to building understanding and relationships among members of the public and dealing with broader concerns that became apparent during the focus on symbols and public spaces. Put in place a process to assess and modify what has been created.

POSSIBLE STRATEGIES

Anticipate resistance to change and develop a strategy in response and prepare leaders to respond quickly and effectively.

Take time, when feasible, for a communications initiative to develop broader public support.

Consider fitting the implementation within existing patterns, such as during already scheduled events and parades, within existing museums, or where people expect to learn.

Identify other goals for change, already generally accepted, and try to fit within those plans. Will it fit within the community’s: Tourism strategy? Economic development? Redevelopment or infrastructure initiatives? Events planning? Or for a university, within the university’s: Student activity goals? Diversity    plans? Publicity for scholarly programs? Need for events space? Campus beautification efforts?

Watch social media for inaccurate information (e.g. “The 9/11 attacks never happened.”) and refute it.

Find private resources to blunt arguments about best use of tax dollars or loss of funding. In April 2025, the Whitney Plantation, a nationally recognized museum dedicated to the history of slavery, lost a major source of public funding after federal officials lost favor with the site’s focus on Black history and culture. This example illustrates how even well-established commemorative spaces can face financial pressure when public narratives are contested, and underscores the value of diversifying funding streams to protect long-term viability.

Develop influential endorsers, including those respected by likely opponents locally and at other levels.

Invite people to a pilot version of what is planned, as some people may imagine that they will dislike something until they experience it.

Plan for upkeep, publicity, staffing, and even relocation.

ILLUSTRATIONS

Explaining and celebrating during the implementation can promote public understanding and awareness.

The City of Orlando renamed Stonewall Jackson Road as Roberto Clemente Road, explaining that to reach its goal of making the city “a more welcoming, inclusive place for all” that it would honor Baseball Hall of Famer Clemente, who died in a plane crash while bringing supplies to survivors of an earthquake in Nicaragua. The announcement invited community members to an unveiling ceremony where they were joined by Clemente’s sons.^[1]

Tie new symbols authentically to the community.

Steven Whyte, the sculptor of “Comfort Women: Pillar of Strength,” pictured in Research, consults before creating public art with members of the community. He explains:

“Public art is only effective or affective when it is authentic. Authenticity comes from careful research and collaboration with both the subject matter featured in the work and the community who will serve as the home and stewards of the artwork. I want to honor the story I’m telling in a manner that will have permanent resonance. The community is my guide to the nuance and sensitivity required to make that possible.”