The relocation of a Christopher Columbus statue to a New York City suburb highlights the ongoing debate over the explorer's historical significance and the continued struggle for recognition of indigenous communities.
A Christopher Columbus statue that became a focal point of tumultuous protests in 2020 has found a new home in a New York City suburb, sparking a renewed debate over the explorer's legacy and the continuing fight for recognition of indigenous communities.
The 8-foot bronze statue, formerly housed at the entrance of Byrd Park in Richmond, Virginia, was uprooted by protesters in the wake of George Floyd's death as part of a larger movement to remove imagery that glorified colonizers.
A Tale of Two Statues: Columbus' Legacy Divides America
Protesters marched near the statue, holding signs that called for the removal of such imagery as a sign of respect for indigenous communities. The statue was pulled down from its pedestal with ropes, defaced with spray paint, and lit on fire. It was then dragged to a nearby pond and submerged in water.
The nearly 100-year-old statue was later retrieved and restored before being shipped to its new home at the Rockland Sons of Italy Lodge in Blauvelt, New York, about 20 miles northwest of Manhattan.
A Tale of Two Statues: Columbus' Legacy Divides America
While some are pleased to see the statue housed in its new location, others argue that honoring Columbus is unethical or pointless. Cliff Mathias, cultural director of the Red Hawk Native American Arts Council, maintains that "Columbus never discovered America," never stepping foot on what is now the United States.
"By no means is Columbus someone that this country should celebrate," Mathias said. "If you go to Italy… most of them don’t give a hoot about Columbus. He’s not celebrated in Italy at all."
A Tale of Two Statues: Columbus' Legacy Divides America
Columbus' arrival in the Americas in 1492 is commonly referred to as the "discovery" of the New World, despite the fact that the continents were already home to thriving indigenous civilizations. Columbus' subsequent actions, including enslavement and colonization, have cast a long shadow over his legacy.
In recent years, Columbus Day has come under heightened scrutiny, with many opting to honor Indigenous Peoples' Day instead. The debate over Columbus' legacy reflects a broader struggle for recognition of indigenous rights and the ongoing need to address the historical and present injustices faced by indigenous communities.
A Tale of Two Statues: Columbus' Legacy Divides America
The relocation of the Columbus statue to Blauvelt is just one chapter in a complex and ongoing conversation about the explorer's legacy, the importance of historical context, and the fight for social justice.
