DOVER, DE- As Black History Month comes to an end, the Kent County Recorder of Deeds is asking the public to help identify and remove outdated, offensive language from historical property records.
Some of the county’s oldest deeds, dating back to the 1600s, contain discriminatory language reflective of past eras of slavery and segregation.
Eugenia Thornton, the Kent County Levy Court Recorder of Deeds, emphasizes the presence of racist language in historical documents.
“Racist language used to exist in deeds and in HOA documents. I mean, Delaware was a slave state. Delaware was under Jim Crow laws."
A 2018 Delaware law allows for the removal of such language, but many community members are unaware they can help identify and report it.
Thornton urges the public to take action when they come across offensive language in property records.
“If they find those things, don’t just be shocked. Do something about it. Let me know, and we’ll take care of it and get it out of there."
The Office of Deeds encourages the public to report discriminatory wording in property records—not just during Black History Month, but year-round.
Residents can review deeds in person at the Kent County Office of Deeds or access them online through the county’s website.
Donyale Hall, with the City of Dover Human Rights Commission, stresses the importance of identifying the wrongs of the past and correcting them to reflect modern-day values.
“Anything that is identified as discriminatory, we have an obligation to take on that challenge."
While history cannot be changed, this effort ensures that modern property records no longer perpetuate past prejudices.
Thornton acknowledges the balance between preserving history and confronting its problematic aspects.
“Nobody wants to completely erase history. But you also don’t have to be confronted with things of the past. And now we have a chance not just to complain about it, but to actually do something about it."
Officials encourage anyone who comes across offensive language in a deed to visit the Kent County Levy Court website and fill out a form to report it.