Vandals behead Christopher Columbus statue in Westchester

[The Bobster]

https://nypost.com/2020/06/10/christopher-columbus-statue-toppled-at-virginia-protest/

Christopher Columbus statue toppled, thrown into lake at Virginia protest
By Joe Tacopino
June 10, 2020 | 1:58am | Updated

A statue of Christopher Columbus in the water at Byrd Park in Richmond, Va.
@marleynichelle via AP


A statue of Christopher Columbus was torn down and tossed into the water at a park in Virginia on Tuesday night, reports said.

About 1,000 protesters gathered at Byrd Park in Richmond where they used ropes to topple the statue of the Italian explorer, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

“We have to start where it all began,” activist Chelsea Higgs-Wise told the crowd, according to the paper. “We have to start with the people who stood first on this land.”

Protesters surrounded that statue, which was festooned with graffiti. One held a sign that said: “Columbus represents genocide.”

After chants of “tear it down,” the demonstrators used the rope to dislodge the 8-foot statue.

The group then dragged the statue about 200 feet and dumped it into Byrd Park lake.

The action came as a judge in Virginia blocked the removal of a statue depicting the Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee in Richmond. Statues have become the target of protesters since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

 

[The Bobster]

https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2...hristopher-columbus-statue-from-farnham-park/

Camden Removes Christopher Columbus Statue From Farnham Park
By CBS3 Staff
June 11, 2020 at 7:06 pm

CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) — Camden officials removed the Christopher Columbus statue in Farnham Park on Thursday. Chopper 3 was over Farnham Park as the statue came down.

In a press release, Camden officials said:

“The Christopher Columbus Statue located at Camden’s Farnham Park, has long been a controversial symbol. Its presence has long pained the residents of the community. Previously, there have been requests to remove the statue as the community no longer supports the monument. It is long overdue, but we must now establish a plan to reexamine these outdated symbols of racial division and injustices.

“It is important that we work together as one community to establish a fair process that reevaluates these symbols in an orderly manner to ensure that resident voices are heard and acted upon. I encourage community engagement in a productive, peaceful conversations about these issues as we call for a more inclusive community.”

Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, Delaware Avenue has been a trending topic as Christopher Columbus statues have been targeted across the country. The reason — a portion of the street was renamed “Columbus Boulevard” in 1992 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Columbus sailing to America.

The name change has been met with disapproval by civic groups and Native Americans ever since.

Philly has two Christopher Columbus statues — one at Penn’s Landing and one at Marconi Plaza.

 

[The Bobster]

https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2...lphia-rename-taney-street-columbus-boulevard/

Renewed Push To Have Philadelphia Rename Taney Street, Columbus Boulevard
By CBS3 Staff
June 11, 2020 at 7:02 pm

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Amid national movements to remove Confederate monuments, there is a renewed push to have the City of Philadelphia rename Taney Street. The street is named after Roger B. Taney, the fifth Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

Taney authored the infamous Dred Scott decision, which stated that black people, whether free or enslaved, could not be an American citizen.

Mayor Jim "Banana Nose" Kenney has supported the renaming in the past.

Taney Street runs intermittently between 26thand 27th Streets through Grays Ferry, Fitler Square, Fairmount, Brewerytown and Strawberry Mansion.

Delaware Avenue is also a trending topic in the city as Christopher Columbus statues have been targeted across the country.

A portion of the street was renamed Columbus Boulevard in 1992 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Columbus sailing to America.

The name change has been met with disapproval by civic groups and Native Americans ever since.

 

[The Bobster]

https://nypost.com/2020/06/11/nypd-guards-columbus-statue-as-other-monuments-are-dismantled/

NYPD guards Christopher Columbus statue as other monuments are torn down
By Reuven Fenton, Bernadette Hogan and Natalie O'Neill
June 11, 2020 | 3:41pm

NYPD provided body-guard service to the marble statue of Christopher Columbus that stands in Manhattan Thursday — as other monuments across the nation were beheaded and destroyed by protesters.

To stop vandals from targeting the landmark, two police officers were seen guarding the towering 75-foot structure in Columbus Circle Thursday morning, and cops later gated-off the surrounding area and parked a police vehicle next to it.

“This statue is a known target. You’ve been seeing in the news what they’ve been doing to statues and monuments all over the country that [protesters] consider offensive. Our concern is that they might do that here, which is why we have the whole circle blocked off,” a police officer near the site told The Post.

“It’s our job not just to protect people but to protect city property. So those gates are going to stay up indefinitely until the powers that be decide that things have calmed down sufficiently for us to remove them.”

The beefed up police presence comes after four Confederate statues — believed to stand at a site where slaves were once whipped — were beheaded and pulled down at the Portsmouth Confederate monument in Virginia Wednesday night.

An NYPD vehicle patrols around the Christopher Columbus Statue in Columbus Circle.
Seth Gottfried


At a press conference Thursday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said statues of Columbus are an important part of Italian-American history.

“I understand the feelings about Mr. Columbus, and some of his acts which nobody would support but the statute has come to represent and signify appreciation for the Italian-American contribution to New York, so for that reason I support him,” he said.

In 2017, the NYPD provided 24/7 body-guard services to the statue to protect it against vandals ahead of Columbus Day. The landmark, made by the Italian sculptor Gaetano Russo, was installed in 1892.

 

[The Bobster]

https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2...hristopher-columbus-statue-from-farnham-park/

Camden Removes Christopher Columbus Statue From Farnham Park, Angering Some Protesters Ahead Of Planned March
By CBS3 Staff
June 11, 2020 at 11:16 pm

CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) — Camden city officials removed the Christopher Columbus statue from Farnham Park, angering protesters who planned a large march at the park this weekend. As city workers dismantled the statue, members of the community stepped in, angry this was being done ahead of their peaceful march.

The Italian explorer has long been associated in history textbooks for discovering the new world but is considered by many as a symbol of hate.

“Christopher Columbus to us, as Black Americans, represents a privatizer, a colonizer, a rapist and many other things,” Camden resident Ronsha Dickerson said, “so why we ask can’t it be a statue of the late Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X? Why can’t it be Dr. King? Why can’t it be Elijah Muhammad? Why can’t it be someone who has worked hard to help black people?”

Camden residents say for years, they’ve tried to have the statue removed — even planning another march of 300 black men for this Saturday. But organizers say when city officials learned of their plans, they removed the statue first.

“Our city officials are not here. They’ve been called and they’ve been asked to be a part of this and they’re not here,” Tory Ogelsby, a civil rights advocate, said. “They made a decision without the city again, and again, we’re saying enough is enough. Wake up, stand up and speak up. That’s what we’re asking people to do.”

In a statement, Camden Mayor Frank Moran said, “The Christopher Columbus Statue located at Camden’s Farnham Park, has long been a controversial symbol. Its presence has long pained the residents of the community. Previously, there have been requests to remove the statue as the community no longer supports the monument. It is long overdue, but we must now establish a plan to reexamine these outdated symbols of racial division and injustices.”

Italian Americans groups — like the Sons of Italy — says Columbus’ contributions to the country should not be forgotten.

“Unfortunately, I think the narrative that’s been perpetrated in the media and other special interest groups just lacks in factual verification,” John DiBattista, of Sons of Italy, said. “If you can step back and try to be objective — do the research and look at what actually happened. We have done research with the Italian organizations in this country and again, you are going back to 1492, the culture and the behavior at that time is nowhere like it is today. But I think the research on the other side only goes so far.”

Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, Delaware Avenue has been a trending topic as Christopher Columbus statues have been targeted across the country. The reason — a portion of the street was renamed “Columbus Boulevard” in 1992 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Columbus sailing to America.

The name change has been met with disapproval by civic groups and Native Americans ever since.

Philly has two Christopher Columbus statues — one at Penn’s Landing and one at Marconi Plaza.

 

[The Bobster]

https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2020/06/12/wilmington-removes-christopher-columbus-statue/

‘It’s Embarrassingly Late,’ But Wilmington Residents Happy To See Christopher Columbus Statue Removed
By Natasha Brown
June 12, 2020 at 9:15 pm

WILMINGTON, Del. (CBS) — The City of Wilmington has removed a statue of Christopher Columbus. The statue had been there for 50 years.

Protesters say Columbus’s exploration shouldn’t be idolized because it led to the killing and forced migration of Native Americans.

“It’s embarrassingly late, but it’s amazing for the city coming down,” resident Cait Emeritz said.

Calls for the removal of Confederate and other controversial monuments and memorials are growing around the country, with many of them being toppled by protesters or removed by city and state officials. Delaware Gov. John Carney addressed the Columbus statue removal in Wilmington during his COVID-19 press conference.

“It’s disappointing that it’s come to that, but I think the idea of having a conversation, a broad conversation, publicly, a certain one wouldn’t want to see damage done to either one of those statues,” Carney said.

Wilmington also removed the statue of former Delaware Gov. Caesar Rodney on Friday. Rodney was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and also owned slaves.

“Then you actually indicate as a city that certain things are unacceptable and that’s really important,” Emeritz said.

Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki says the statues will be stored.

“We cannot erase history, as painful as it may be, but we can certainly discuss history with each other and determine together what we value and what we feel is appropriate to memorialize,” Purzycki said. “We can determine together how we should proceed as a city when it comes to public displays. In this period of awakening for our city, state, and country, we should be listening more to each other and building a more just city and a better America.” :bow:

Purzycki says a discussion about public displays of historical figures is overdue.

 

[The Bobster]

https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2...mbus-statue-marconi-plaza-south-philadelphia/

‘They’re Doing The Same Columbus Did’: Tension Remains High Over Christopher Columbus Statue At Marconi Plaza
By CBS3 Staff
June 14, 2020 at 8:00 pm

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — There was a growing police presence in South Philadelphia, where the Christopher Columbus statue in Marconi Plaza is the focal point of debate. Mayor Jim "Banana Nose" Kenney responded to the armed guard that has been holding vigil at the base of the Columbus statue in South Philly.

Kenney says the “vigilantism” is inappropriate, but a city spokesperson told Eyewitness News that there are no plans to remove the statue from Marconi Plaza on Sunday night.

“They’re doing the same Columbus did. They’re coming into our neighborhood and taking away our heritage, OK?” John Fosco said. “They’re hypocrites.”

Fosco is one of the dozens of people who have kept around-the-clock guard of the Columbus statue at Marconi Plaza since Saturday afternoon when Eyewitness News found some armed with bats and others with guns all patrolling the plaza while police were working to keep the situation calm on Sunday.

But tensions rose on Saturday when a left-wing nonprofit news organization called Unicorn Riot approached some demonstrators and refused to leave. The reporter’s bicycle tires were slashed.

On Sunday, some at the plaza told Eyewitness News they feel like they’re the target of reverse-racism. They point to last week when Columbus monuments were removed in Wilmington, Delaware, and Camden, New Jersey, arguing that we should learn from our past — not erase it.

“The first thing that I learned in third grade — Christopher Columbus discovered America. So as an Italian immigrant, this [statue] represents something to me, my Italian history,” one person said.

On Sunday, Kenney wrote in a Twitter thread, “We are aware of the groups of armed individuals ‘protecting’ the Columbus statue in Marconi Plaza. All vigilantism is inappropriate, and these individuals only bring more danger to themselves and the city. We are also aware of an apparent assault caught on video tape, as well as possible restrictions placed on journalists filming the event. These incidents are under investigation at this time.”

All vigilantism is inappropriate, and these individuals only bring more danger to themselves and the city,” he wrote. “We are also aware of an apparent assault caught on video tape, as well as possible restrictions placed on journalists filming the event. These incidents are under investigation at this time.”

Philadelphia commie joo District Attorney Larry Krasner also criticized the armed group in a thread on Twitter.

“Hey, bat-wielders: Saying you are ‘defending’ something doesn’t prove you really are. And using a bat–or anything else–for an illegal purpose (such as assaulting or threatening or harassing people) is a criminal act. Prosecutors and police will uphold the law in Philly, consistent with their oaths, against criminal bullies. So save your bats for a ball game. And save your hatchets for chopping wood. We remain the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection,” Krasner wrote. :huh:

South Philadelphia resident Russell Burke was asked why he came to Marconi Plaza on Sunday.

“I’m here today to protect my neighborhood because these neighborhood people did nothing to anyone,” Burke said.

Some argue the Columbus statue represents the opposite.

“It represents a massacre. They conquered a new world and they murdered people,” Juanangel Green Lopez said.

Dozens of people who were part of the group guarding the statue moved to a home in South Philadelphia that they believe is Kenney’s.

The statue at Marconi Plaza has since been fenced off by police.

 

[The Bobster]

https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2...ly-if-it-continues-to-threaten-public-safety/

City Considering Removal Of Christopher Columbus Statue In South Philly If It Continues To ‘Threaten Public Safety’
By Matt Petrillo
June 15, 2020 at 5:21 pm

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The Christopher Columbus statue in South Philadelphia could become history. Philadelphia city leaders announced Monday they’re considering removing it after chaos erupted between those guarding it and activists wanting it gone from over the weekend.

On Sunday, city officials said at the time, there were no plans to remove the statue but that might change after the clash between activists who want it gone and a group of people who have been standing guard at the statue around the clock.

Cellphone video from Sunday night shows a large group of people who were guarding the statue at Marconi Plaza walking forward, essentially to push out a small group of activists who want the statue removed.

One woman holding her phone shouts “don’t touch me” and tries remaining in place. But she and a few other activists eventually ended up in the street at Broad Street and Oregon Avenue.

“While we were getting pushed into traffic, there was a line of 40 cops that did nothing. They did nothing ,” West Philadelphia resident Deborah Rose said.

Ronald Joseph, of Northeast Philly, says he was maced and punched in the face by the group guarding the statue.

“We wanted to go there and observe and wanted to help out if things got really bad ,” Joseph said. “We wanted to see what was going on. Are the protestors peacefully protesting? Were they safe?”

Amanda McIllmurray took video of the clash.

“With your presence alone, do you think you were agitating the situation?” CBS3’s Matt Petrillo asked.

“I don’t think so, we just went to observe,” McIllmurray said. “They want to cause chaos.”

One man who was among those guarding the statue over the weekend believes the activists were trying to start trouble.

“They want to cause chaos. For some odd reason, they want to take a part of Italian history away. That has significance to me,” he said.

But some say those protecting the statue went too far. Eyewitness News found some of those trying to protect the statue on Saturday holding bats and guns.

Now, the Internal Affairs Divison of the Philadelphia Police Department is investigating the department’s response to this weekend’s events at the statue.

“I was hoping that the police would act. I was hoping that police would deescalate things,” Joseph said.

A Philadelphia spokesperson said the city is now considering removing that statue if “the statue’s presence continues to threaten public safety.”

 

[The Bobster]

https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2...topher-columbus-statue-in-south-philadelphia/

City Plans To Board Up Christopher Columbus Statue In South Philadelphia
By CBS3 Staff
June 16, 2020 at 6:28 am

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The Christopher Columbus Statue at Marconi Plaza in South Philadelphia will be boarded up on Tuesday. The work will be done to prevent damage, after days of tense standoff at the site.

Christopher Columbus Statue at Marconi Plaza in South Philadelphia


Meanwhile, Mayor Jim "Banana Nose" Kenney has asked the Philadelphia Art Commission to initiate a public process to consider the statue’s future.

A group of residents want the statue to stay while others want it gone, citing the explorer’s record of slavery and genocide against Native Americans.

 

[The Bobster]

https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2...ly-if-it-continues-to-threaten-public-safety/

Philadelphia Mayor Kenney Announces ‘Public Process’ To Determine Future Of Christopher Columbus Statue In South Philly
By CBS3 Staff
June 15, 2020 at 8:28 pm

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The Christopher Columbus statue in South Philadelphia could become history. On Monday night, Philadelphia Mayor Jim "Banana Nose" Kenney announced a public process will decide the future of the statue.

In the meantime, a boxing apparatus will be installed around the statue on Tuesday.

Kenney has asked the Philadelphia Art Commission and the public art director to begin the process. No timeline has been set for a decision.

Kenney released a statement Monday night, saying the “public process will allow for all viewpoints” to be heard and “it’s also my hope that by initiating the process, the current tensions in Marconi Plaza can end.”

Kenney’s announcement comes after a weekend clash between activists who want it gone and a group of people who have been standing guard at the statue around the clock.

Cellphone video from Sunday night shows a large group of people who were guarding the statue at Marconi Plaza walking forward, essentially to push out a small group of activists who want the statue removed.

One woman holding her phone shouts “don’t touch me” and tries remaining in place. But she and a few other activists eventually ended up in the street at Broad Street and Oregon Avenue.

“While we were getting pushed into traffic, there was a line of 40 cops that did nothing. They did nothing,” West Philadelphia resident Deborah Rose said.

Philadelphia To Have Independent Consultant Examine City’s Response To Recent Protests, Including Police Department’s Use Of Force

Ronald Joseph, of Northeast Philly, says he was maced and punched in the face by the group guarding the statue.

“We wanted to go there and observe and wanted to help out if things got really bad,” Joseph said. “We wanted to see what was going on. Are the protestors peacefully protesting? Were they safe?”

Amanda McIllmurray took video of the clash.

“With your presence alone, do you think you were agitating the situation?” CBS3’s Matt Petrillo asked.

“I don’t think so, we just went to observe,” McIllmurray said. “They want to cause chaos.”

One man who was among those guarding the statue over the weekend believes the activists were trying to start trouble.

“They want to cause chaos. For some odd reason, they want to take a part of Italian history away. That has significance to me,” he said.

But some say those protecting the statue went too far. Eyewitness News found some of those trying to protect the statue on Saturday holding bats and guns.

Now, the Internal Affairs Divison of the Philadelphia Police Department is investigating the department’s response to this weekend’s events at the statue.

“I was hoping that the police would act. I was hoping that police would deescalate things,” Joseph said.

Read Mayor Kenney’s full statement below.

“The Christopher Columbus statue has been a source of controversy in Philadelphia, as have similar installations across our country. Christopher Columbus, like many historical figures, has supporters and detractors. For centuries, he has been venerated with the stories of his traversing the Atlantic and “discovering” the “New World.” However, his history is much more infamous. Mistakenly believing he had found a new route to India, Columbus enslaved indigenous people and punished those who failed to meet his expected service by severing limbs, or in some cases, murder.

“Surely, the totality of this history must be accounted for when considering whether to maintain a monument to this person. Given that many are now calling for the removal of the statue, and others believe it should remain, I have directed the Art Commission to review the statue, its location, and its appropriateness in a public park. We are committed to listening to all points of view and moving forward in the best way to heal our deep divides.

“I believe that a public process will allow for all viewpoints—especially those of indigenous people whose ancestors suffered under the rule of European colonizers—to be considered. It’s also my hope that by initiating this process, the current tensions in Marconi Plaza can end. I urge all South Philadelphians attempting to protect the statue to stand down and have your voices heard through the public process.”

 

[The Bobster]

https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2...umbus-statue-in-chester-covered-by-blue-tarp/

Christopher Columbus Statue In Chester Covered By Blue Tarp
By CBS3 Staff
June 17, 2020 at 7:31 am

CHESTER, Pa. (CBS) – A blue tarp now covers the statue of Christopher Columbus in Chester, Delaware County. Chopper 3 was over the statue, which is a centerpiece of a park on Route 291, near Welsh Street and the old Swedish burial ground.

Christopher Columbus Statue In Chester Covered By Blue Tarp


The city of Chester has not returned calls from Eyewitness News about the statue or the decision to cover it.

 

[The Bobster]

https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2...pher-columbus-on-delaware-riverfront-covered/

Base Of Monument Honoring Christopher Columbus On Delaware Riverfront Covered
By CBS3 Staff
June 17, 2020 at 7:46 pm

PHILADELPHIA (CBS/AP) — The base of a second monument honoring Christopher Columbus is being hidden from view while its future is debated after the explorer became a focus of protesters in Philadelphia amid nationwide demonstrations following George Floyd’s death in Minnesota.

The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation said the monument at Penns Landing on the Delaware River marked the 500th anniversary of the explorer’s first voyage, but the organization recognizes that it “is a focus of controversy and pain for many.”

The group said the statue “fails to address atrocities committed against indigenous people” and therefore does not reflect the organization’s “mission to create and maintain a safe and welcoming space for all.”

The nonprofit said discussions about the monument’s future would involve the city and other stakeholders and could result in its removal, but until a decision is made, “the base of the monument will be covered in an effort to protect public safety, reduce continued pain and to act as a platform for meaningful engagement.”

The 106-foot Robert Venturi-designed work constructed in 1992 is “a reimagined obelisk” topped by a weather vane representing the colors of Italy, the country of the explorer’s birth, and Spain, the country for which he sailed. It also was intended to represent “the role that all immigrants played in shaping Philadelphia and the United States, according to the nonprofit group’s website.

Earlier, after days of tension, city crews built a wooden box around a statue of Columbus in south Philadelphia following clashes between protesters and residents as Mayor Jim Kenney announced a process to decide its future.

Since Saturday, hundreds of people had gathered at Marconi Plaza to protect the statue. At times, statue supports have clashed with counter-protesters.

In Philadelphia, a city with a deep Italian heritage, supporters at the statue said they considered him an emblem of their heritage. The mayor said Columbus had been venerated for centuries as an explorer but had a “much more infamous” history, having enslaved indigenous people and imposed punishments such as severing limbs or even death.

Statues of Columbus were earlier removed in nearby Camden, New Jersey, and Wilmington, Delaware. In Richmond, Virginia, a statue of Christopher Columbus was torn down, set on fire and thrown into a lake. On Friday in Columbia, South Carolina, the first U.S. city named for Columbus, a statue of the explorer was removed after it was vandalized several times, and a vandalized statue in Boston also was removed from its pedestal.

Floyd, who was black , died May 25 after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed a knee into the unarmed and handcuffed man’s neck even as he pleaded for air and stopped moving.

 

[The Bobster]

https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2...r-river-park-in-pennsauken-removed-overnight/

Christopher Columbus Statue At Cooper River Park In Pennsauken Removed Overnight
By CBS3 Staff
July 8, 2020 at 6:09 am

PENNSAUKEN, N.J. (CBS) – It appears a statue of Christopher Columbus at Cooper River Park in Pennsauken came down overnight. Video sent to Eyewitness News shows just the base there.

There is no official word from Camden County officials about the removal at this time.

Meanwhile, the mayor of Trenton has announced the city will remove a statue of Christopher Columbus in his city. It’s been covered by a tarp in Columbus Park since mid-June after it was vandalized. The mayor says the statue will be placed in storage and the park will also be renamed.

 

[The Bobster]

https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2...statue-removed-from-new-jerseys-capital-city/

Christopher Columbus Statue Removed From New Jersey’s Capital City
July 8, 2020 at 6:13 pm

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — A statue of Christopher Columbus that has stood for more than 60 years in a park in New Jersey’s capital city is coming down. Crews in Trenton started dismantling the statue Wednesday, a day after city Mayor Reed Gusciora announced the decision. He said it was made after city officials received “lots of input” from residents and community groups.

Gusciora said the statue —which had recently been vandalized — will be placed in storage “to find a more fitting home.” He also said the park in the city’s Chambersburg neighborhood where the statue stood will be renamed eventually , but a timeline for that has not been determined.

(Credit: CBS3)

Christopher Columbus has become a controversial figure because although he opened the way for European exploration and colonization of the Americas, there is evidence he enslaved and killed Native Americans.

Trenton becomes the latest major city in New Jersey to remove a statue of Columbus, as similar monuments have recently come down in Newark, Camden and West Orange. Officials in many other towns across New Jersey are discussing whether similar monuments in their communities should be removed.

“What we know about Columbus simply makes his image a poor fit for a city that is as diverse as Trenton,” Gusciora said.

 

[Ensis]

Sheeple forget that Native Americans often brutally enslaved and murdered other Native Americans long before the White Man came.

 

[The Bobster]

https://nypost.com/2020/07/24/christopher-columbus-statues-taken-down-in-chicago/

Chicago’s Christopher Columbus statues removed after police-protester clashes
By Yaron Steinbuch
July 24, 2020 | 8:20am | Updated

Chicago’s two Christopher Columbus statues were taken down under the cover of darkness early Friday after violent clashes broke out last week between police and protesters, according to reports.

Hours after Mayor Lori Lightfoot called for it to come down, one statue was removed in the Windy City’s Grant Park, while the other was seen being dismantled in Arrigo Park in the Little Italy neighborhood, NBC Chicago reported.

Demonstrators nationwide have clamored for the removal of statues of Columbus to be taken down, calling the Italian explorer a symbol of hate and oppression — while others view him as an important part of Italian-American heritage.

On Monday, Lightfoot said she would announce a process in which the city would take inventory of the city’s monuments, paintings “and other things that memorialize” its history, the news outlet reported.

Crew members remove a Christopher Columbus statue from Grant Park in Chicago.
REUTERS/Kamil Krzaczynski


“In time, our team will determine there are no monuments to African Americans in this city,” she said.

“There are no monuments to women. There are no monuments that reflect the contributions of people in the city of Chicago who contributed to the greatness of this city.”

As recently as last month, Lightfoot said she didn’t believe the Columbus statue at Grant Park should be removed.
see also
'Where's Lori?' Hundreds protest federal troop agreement outside Chicago mayor's home

“Look, I know that the issue of Columbus, Columbus Day is an issue of great discussion but I think that the way in which we educate our young people in particular about the history is to educate them about the full history,” she said at the time.

Last week, 49 cops and four demonstrators were hurt when clashes broke out during a protest calling for the statue’s removal. More than a dozen individuals were also arrested.

Police have since said a group infiltrated the peaceful demonstrations to spark violence, according to NBC Chicago.

Stefan Cuevas-Caizaguano, a resident watching the removal of the statue at Grant Park, told the Chicago Sun-Times: “This statue coming down is because of the effort of black and Indigenous activists who know the true history of Columbus and what he represents.” :barf4:

John Catanzara, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7, has recently feuded with the mayor after he wrote President Trump a letter asking for federal help to address the surging gun violence in the city.

“I’m sick of the mayor thinking she can do whatever she wants to do,” Catanzara, who is of Italian descent told the Sun-Times.

“She’s not a dictator. She’s a coward that she wanted to do this in the middle of the night when nobody was paying attention after she said she wasn’t going to take the statue down,” he said.

Chicago Mayor Lori "Beetlejuice" Lightfoot
Pat Nabong/Chicago Sun-Times via AP


On Thursday night, hundreds of protesters rallied outside Lightfoot’s home and demanded that the local police be defunded.

The demonstration came after Lightfoot reportedly did an about-face and agreed to Trump’s plan to send 200 federal agents to Chicago, in the aftermath of a shooting outside a funeral home that injured at least 15 people.

 

[Ensis]

That nigger is a dictator and a total coward. She hates Human history and wants it gone.

 

[The Bobster]

https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2...ristopher-columbus-statue-from-marconi-plaza/

Philadelphia Historical Commission Votes In Favor Of Removing Christopher Columbus Statue From Marconi Plaza
By CBS3 Staff
July 24, 2020 at 4:10 pm

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — The Philadelphia Historical Commission has voted in favor of removing the Christopher Columbus Statue from Marconi Plaza. The commission held a virtual hearing Friday.

The city had asked the Historical Commission to evaluate the safety of the South Philadelphia site, both for the public and the statue itself.

It has attracted contentious protests.

Some residents say Columbus represents racism and genocide. Others say Columbus is an important historical figure for Italian Americans.

Much of Friday’s testimony was from people who supported keeping it in place, including longtime political figure Vincent Fumo.

“His history does mean something. It means something to the world, whether you like it or not. Because he did this exploration,” Fumo said.

Now that the Historical Commission has voted, the Art Commission will cast a deciding vote next month.

 

[The Bobster]

https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2...f-marconi-plazas-christopher-columbus-statue/

Marconi Plaza Christopher Columbus Statue To Be Placed In Storage Until Decision On Long Term Relocation Made
By CBS3 Staff
August 12, 2020 at 11:00 am

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — The fate of the Christopher Columbus statue in South Philadelphia has been made. The Philadelphia Art Commission voted to place the statue in storage on Wednesday morning.

The commission voted 8 to 1 in favor of removing the statue from Marconi Plaza.

The Christopher Columbus statue will be placed in storage for six months until a decision is made on its long term relocation.

The art commission wants the city to make a proposal for what happens to the statue next, whether it returns to Marconi Plaza or gets relocated somewhere else in South Philadelphia.

The statue was a gift to Philadelphia so it will remain in the city.

Several other states have already removed Christopher Columbus statues in their cities.

Last month, the Philadelphia Historical Commission voted in favor of removing the Christopher Columbus Statue from Marconi Plaza.

Though the statue has sat in Marconi Plaza for more than a century, the controversy surrounding it reached a peak this year. The Philadelphia Historical Commission voted 10 to 2 to have the 144-year-old statue removed.

 

[The Bobster]

https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2...us-statue-around-the-clock-block-its-removal/

South Philadelphia Group Vows To Stand Guard At Christopher Columbus Statue ‘Around The Clock,’ Block Its Removal
By Alecia Reid
August 12, 2020 at 5:44 pm

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — After a monthslong battle, the Christopher Columbus statue in South Philadelphia will be moved to storage. The Art Commission has made its decision to move the statue, but some residents plan to fight that decision in court.

“They can’t do that,” South Philly resident Maureen Fratantoni said.

After dozens of hours of community testimony and the Historical Commission’s vote to move the Columbus statue, the Art Commission voted to place it in storage for six months until a decision is made on its long-term home.

Neighbors from The Gravy Seals community group say not on their watch.

“We’ll be here around the clock. We’ll see if construction equipment comes to remove that statue as they announced, we’ll block the equipment for coming. That’s our plan,” Kevin Consolo said.

The concern is that protests, which have become violent in the past, will continue at the Marconi Plaza, making it a threat to public safety. :headbash:

The City of Philadelphia is now responsible for safely removing and placing it in storage.

“I think it’s a real big insult to the entire Italian American community what’s going on here,” Fratantoni said.

This will be the second statue in the city to be moved since George Floyd was killed by police in Minneapolis and protests denouncing police brutality and systematic racism in the country erupted.

However, those against Wednesday’s decision say they will not allow the statue to be moved until a judge rules.

“We’ve had a Frank Rizzo mural and statue removed in the middle of the night because it causes problems for somebody else,” Consolo said.

The law firm Bochetto & Lentz has filed a complaint in common pleas court and as of this afternoon, we’re told there will be no movement until the court has a full opportunity to review all legal documents.