The National Park Service (NPS) has announced the reinstatement of the Albert Pike statue, a Confederate general whose statue was toppled and burned during the 2020 social justice protests. The restoration aligns with federal responsibilities under historic preservation law and recent executive orders. This action is part of a larger trend, as the NPS has been accused of sanitizing historical narratives to align with certain agendas. The decision to restore the statue has been met with criticism, with some calling for its removal and placement in a museum.
Read More
This executive order mandates a review of all Department of the Interior properties to identify monuments, memorials, etc., removed or altered since January 1, 2020. The review will specifically address whether such removals or changes perpetuate a false narrative of American history, downplay significant events or figures, or reflect partisan bias. A key implication is the potential reinstatement of Confederate statues, many of which were removed following 2020 BLM protests. Furthermore, the order singles out the African American history museum for allegedly promoting harmful ideologies.
Read More
As a resident of North Carolina, I cannot help but be appalled by the existence of Confederate monuments that continue to glorify a dark period in American history. The recent lawsuit to have a monument dedicated to ‘faithful slaves’ removed is a step in the right direction to rectify the twisted narrative that these statues perpetuate. The fact that these statues were erected long after the Civil War ended, during a time of racial tension and segregation, speaks volumes about their true intent.
It is crucial to understand that these monuments were not built out of a genuine desire to honor history or commemorate those who suffered under slavery.… Continue reading
The recent news of the stolen and vandalized Jackie Robinson statue has left me feeling both outraged and disheartened. It is truly shocking to think that someone would hold such a grudge against a man who was an icon and a trailblazer in the world of baseball. The fact that the statue was found burned and dismantled in a trash can only adds to the sense of disgust and disbelief.
My initial reaction was to hope that the statue would be replaced with an even bigger version. It seems fitting to honor Robinson’s legacy by creating an even more imposing and powerful representation of him.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker