On Friday, the Philadelphia Historical Commission voted 10-2 in favor of the removal of a statue of Christopher Columbus.The final decision for removing the statue from Marconi Plaza rests with the Philadelphia Art Commission, which is tentatively scheduled to take up the matter on August 12, Lauren Cox, a spokeswoman for Mayor Jim Kenney, told CNN.
My question is why? And how do you get on a historical commission and not believe in our history and the statues that represent our history?
The commission heard hours of testimony from the public, the majority of whom wanted the 144-year-old statue to stay, according to CNN affiliate KYW.
But City Public Arts Director Margot Bert said that preliminary findings from an online survey showed that 80% were in favor of removal, KYW reported.
The statue in Marconi Plaza has become a flashpoint for protesters, leading to “clashes” between people who want the statue to stay and others who would like to see it removed, the statement said, calling it a “concerning public safety situation.”
“The City is committed to finding a way forward that allows Philadelphians to celebrate their heritage and culture, while respecting the histories and circumstances of others that come from different backgrounds,” the statement from the mayor’s office said.
Let’s all hope that cooler head will prevail and Philadelphia will keep our history, and keep the statue of Columbus, “who in 1492 sailed the ocean blue,” and not be like Chicago where Mayor Lori Lightfoot ordered the removal of a Columbus statue from Grant Park on Friday morning.
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