Confederate General Robert E. A statue of Lee has been removed from the United States Capitol, the governor of Virginia. Ralph Northhe announced Monday.
For 111 years, Virginia was the contributing state to the National Statue Hall, with statues of the nation’s first president, George and Washington Washington. Each state is allowed two statues in the collection.
Virginia plans to replace Lee’s statue with civil rights symbol Barbara Jones.
“We should all be proud of this important step forward for our Commonwealth and our country,” North said in a statement. “Federalism is a symbol of Virginia’s racist and divisive history, and it’s time we tell our story with images of diligence, diversity and inclusion. I am from the UK. Looking forward to seeing the young woman representing the color of Virginia at the Capitol, where visitors will learn about Barbara Johnson’s contributions to America and be able to bring about positive change in their communities just like hers. “
“Federal images do not represent that we are in Virginia. That is why we voted unanimously to remove this statue, ”said State Sen. Louis Lucas, who chaired the Virginia Commission, recommended his removal. “I’m glad this day has finally arrived, and I thank Governor Northham and the Commission for their transformative work.”
In 1951, 16-year-old Barbara Johns at Robert Russia Mutton High School in Farmville, Virginia, led a student strike for equal education. His opposition was upheld by the NAACP and his case was one of five, the main remedy being Brown v. The Topeka lawsuit was consolidated in the Board of Education. Separation was declared unconstitutional in a 1954 Supreme Court ruling.
“When I think of Barbara Jones, I remember how brave she was at such a young age. It’s time for us to start singing the songs of some of the Virginians who have done great deeds that have gone unnoticed. This is a proud moment for our Commonwealth, and I am humbled to be a part of it, “said Dean Gione Ward, a delegate who sponsored the law.
Sen when the statue was removed. Tim Cain and Rep. Jennifer Wexton, both a Democrat, and a representative from Northam’s office were present.
In July, the House approved legislation to remove statues of Confederates and other such symbols from the U.S. capital, but the Senate has yet to take the bill.
On Monday morning, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi applauded the decision, vowing to continue the liberation of the capital in a “tribute to hate”.
“In honor of Barbara Johns, the pioneer of civil rights and the pride of Virginia, Robert E. The removal of Lee’s statue and its replacement is welcome news. “Congressional chambers are at the heart of our democracy, and the statues within the Capitol should embody our highest ideals, just like the Americans,” Pelosi said in a statement. “As the Congress fights to end the scourge of racism in our country, we will continue our work to rid the capital of hatred. There is no place in our country to celebrate a Union Radical or any other place of honor in our country. ”
