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Remove The Emancipation Memorial/Freedman Statue

2,701 Comments

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Daniah Augustin
6 years ago

It's time for us to be represented as human beings with intelligence and equal rights. No longer will we stand to be looked at as a people that need to be saved.

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Michele Gelboin
6 years ago

thank you very much for your leadership on this matter, what a wonderful kid you were, paying attention...you exemplify mindfulness that we are trying to teach kids in California...I hope you will play ever greater leadership roles in our country...every image has power...so glad you did not swallow it as a child

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Diana Snyder
6 years ago

Get it gone, that is a completely, completely inappropriate and racist representation of Black people.

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John Bradley
6 years ago

Replace this with a dignified representation of emancipation

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Melanie Reeves
6 years ago

Please remove that statue and put something else in its place that truly represents equality.

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Nicholas Coccoma
6 years ago

This petition is woefully, hopelessly misguided . This is one of the most important public memorials in our country's history. It was commissioned by Thomas Ball, one of the great 19th-century sculptors. The original is in D.C.; it was the first public monument to depict an African American. The image of the kneeling enslaved person in chains was iconic at the time in abolitionist literature. Ball gives the figure agency by showing his clenched fist breaking the shackles on his wrist. The statue celebrates Emancipation, the greatest event in American history and Lincoln's crowning achievement. Frederick Douglass, the greatest Black leader in history, himself spoke at the monument's dedication in Washington in 1876. To remove this monument would be a disgrace to the memory of the Black and White abolitionists who fought so long for freedom. Not to mention erasing an incredible piece of public art. Take down statues to the Confederacy--not the people who defeated them.

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Brenda Frias
6 years ago

take it down

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Devin Charette
6 years ago

Replace this statue with Crispus Attucks!

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Rachel Devlin
6 years ago

Take it down

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Daniel English
6 years ago

Our motto is "Boston Pride". This is an example of our "Racist Boston" descriptions by people who were insulted by racist talk from the supposed smart city. Let the new generation teach us how to be properly represented. Keep correcting us, and replace that statue with one of true honor to the present and future generations.

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Jo Ann Kumins
6 years ago

I have been offended by this statue since I first saw it. I am sorry that I never did anything actively about it. Thank you Tory.

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Melissa Bowen
6 years ago

This statue is very offensive

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Nicole LaRusso
6 years ago

“And inasmuch as they cannot so live, while they do remain together there must be the position of superior and inferior, and I as much as any other man am in favor of having the superior position assisted to the white race.” - Abraham Lincoln

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Eric Peloquin
6 years ago

I love the idea of having them shaking hands. Have the black man respectfully dressed. Good work opening our eyes further!

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maureen connors
6 years ago

I get your point and agree 1000%. This statue must be replaced.

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Anonymous
6 years ago

Take it down - a Crispus Atticus statue is a great idea!

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Stephanie Strand
6 years ago

The intention of the sculpture is clearly not to offend, but it is unfortunately visually offensive.

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Meghan
6 years ago

Would love to see the statue redesigned

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Zekulu Zewdu
6 years ago

As a black African American, I find this to be disgraceful. I respectfully ask the removal of the statute.

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Debra Feinman
6 years ago

this statue MUST go.