ATLANTA, Ga. (CBS46) – Right now, it seems to be like an outdated, deserted brickyard, however the outdated Chattahoochee Brick Company website holds a historical past mired in blood, sweat, and tears.

“This is the location of the Chattahoochee Brick Company. It was owned by one of the former mayors of Atlanta,” mentioned Kwame-Osheyefo Kalimara, an attendee on the ceremony Saturday.

The firm used the convict leasing system, forcing African-Americans to work in horrible circumstances, with no regard for his or her well being.

“It filled a lot of pockets of the corporations that also did business with the mayor. Some of the people who were leased here were actually buried here,” mentioned Kalimara.

The metropolis of Atlanta purchased the property and held a ceremony commemorating the achievement on Saturday. The metropolis will create a park on the website, with direct entry to the Chattahoochee River.

“The bricks were built on the blood and sweat of people who did not have a choice to work here,” mentioned attendee Patricia Burns.

The website was initially zoned for industrial use, however now the town will protect it. Mayor Andre Dickens mentioned he will probably be considering of some methods to reimagine the house and to pay homage to the deceased.

“American history is also painful and this is one way we can reconcile with our past and build unity,” mentioned Burns.

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