CHICAGO — It’s unclear if the three Columbus statues that have been eliminated will ever return following a brand new report from a metropolis committee.
The Chicago Monuments Undertaking, which was tasked with figuring out if 41 monuments and statues throughout town “seize present values,” launched its 73-page report on Friday. In it, committee members counsel continued elimination of the Columbus statues, which have been beforehand in Grant Park and Arrigo Park.
In 2020, the statues have been eliminated after violent protests in wake of George Floyd’s homicide.
thirty eighth Ward Ald. Nick Sposato mentioned he’s not stunned of the report.
“We had a committee of 30 folks, 27 lefties, three righties. No shock to me they have been going to tear every thing down,” he mentioned.
Whereas many within the Italian-American group regard Columbus as a cultural icon, the Chicago Monuments Undertaking proposed taking the monuments down as a result of the explorer “has change into a bitter reminder of centuries of exploitation, conquest and genocide.”
1st Ward Ald. Daniel LaSpata believes these emotions needs to be thought of.
“I believe it is sensible to not put them again in our parks,” he mentioned. “Not that they will’t exist someplace — maybe there’s museums that make sense.”
Mayor Lightfoot launched the next assertion.
“I thank the members of the committee for his or her time, and dedication to this vital work on behalf of our Metropolis, the intensive and artistic public engagement and their willingness to interact on this work in an intensive and considerate manner. Whereas the scope of this work impacts us all, I wish to notably spotlight and thank members of the Italian American and the Native communities for his or her engagement and participation on this course of. I’ve personally realized lots from my engagement with members of each communities.“
The way forward for the statues stays unclear because the report cites that “there’s a lot work nonetheless to return earlier than any of those suggestions can be finalized or applied.”
