Christopher Columbus Statue Removed Due To Protests

Chicago, IL – A statue of Christopher Columbus is under removal by city council members. This is a move to support the Black Lives Matter movement.

Christopher Columbus was a 15th century explorer. During his expedition to locate another route to India, he came across what is now America.

During his time, reports of slavery, manipulation, and other tactics are just a few of many unsavory methods. These are all tactics that go against our modern conception of human rights.

The current political climate has many questioning the merit of America’s founder. For the past month, many are calling for the removal of statues who have a history of racism. From Confederate Generals to Columbus himself, the foundation of America has a history of racism that is currently under fire.

Chicago Released A Statement In Regards To The Removal Of The Christopher Columbus Statue

“The City of Chicago—at Mayor Lightfoot’s direction—has temporarily removed the Christopher Columbus statues in Grant Park and Arrigo Park until further notice. This action was taken after consultation with various stakeholders. It comes in response to demonstrations that became unsafe for both protesters and police, as well as efforts by individuals to independently pull the Grant Park statue down in an extremely dangerous manner. This step is about an effort to protect public safety and to preserve a safe space for an inclusive and democratic public dialogue about our city’s symbols. In addition, our public safety resources must [go] where they are most needed throughout the city, and particularly in our South and West Side communities.”

“Over the coming days, Mayor Lightfoot and the City will be announcing a formal process to assess each of the monuments, memorials, and murals across Chicago’s communities, and develop a framework for creating a public dialogue to determine how we elevate our city’s history and diversity. As the Mayor has stated previously, this is not about a single statue or mural, but how we create a platform to channel our city’s dynamic civic energy to collaboratively, purposefully and peacefully reflect our values as Chicagoans and uplift the stories of all of our diverse city’s
residents, particularly when it comes to the permanent memorialization of our shared heritage.”