Remove The Emancipation Memorial/Freedman Statue

I’d love to see this recommissioned to more accurately represent the original intent- to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved Black people. The shackled man, kneeling before Lincoln does not convey way the right message.

I've never seen this statue but it's disgraceful.

I’ve worked a few blocks away from the Lincoln statue in park square for the past 35 years. When I first came across this statue commemorating the end of slavery which was erected by former slaves, I was initially excited. Upon looking at the statue though, I instantly felt uncomfortable at the image of Lincoln standing over the freed slave. I have stood in front of that statue countless times reflecting on why I feel so uncomfortable at the images portrayed in this statue which was intended to commemorate emancipation. In the past few years I’ve looked at it with several people who I’m close to asking their thoughts. Each had similar responses to mine. Since this was donated by former slaves, I strongly feel that if the statue were to be removed, the statue should be replaced with another statue which celebrates the end of slavery. I do think that perhaps a more updated statue which celebrates freedom from slavery could be designed and placed in a more prominent spot, perhaps on Boston Common where far more people would see it. Additionally, I think all our statues throughout the city should be vetted and those ho print individuals involved in slavery or crimes against humanity should be replaced with alternate prominent figures with Boston connections who have not been as celebrated such as MLK, Malcom X, or Dubois. One middle age white person’s opinion.

Let’s only have statues about black history and the black community that is made by black designers and artists and selected by the black community so public art and memoriAls truly represents how the black community wants commemoration.

This Momumemt should have been removed years ago. People in America don't bow down to anyone.

Melt down this current statue, and replace it with something that recognizes the humanity and equality in each of us.

I'm a white man who worked in Boston for 10+ years and passed this statue daily. Every day I passed it I looked at it in disgust. It should never have been put up. Tear it down and hire a black sculptor to replace it with something that means freedom to Boston's black community.

This statue is incredibly dehumanizing to the black community and it must be taken down. It’s an embarrassment to the city of Boston.

I was taught in drama class, that a way to portray dominance or control in a situation is to have that person (in control) above the other. Whether thats refusing to sit while the other is, or still insisting that a slave kneel as he's being freed. This statue is a concrete reminder of who is 'in charge' of this country, and it is appaulling. Sincerely, a white woman of Massachusetts for equality.

We deserve better images of liberation!

aba a This sculpture represents vividly and succinctly the stark reality black and colored people still live today: on their knees. I would have the same enduring gut reaction as Tony Bullock. I am signing this petition so that no child would have to face this kind of heart-wrenching visual reminder of his real status: downtrodden not freed.

Take this shameful statue DOWN

Take it down! Well said, Tory. We must root out the racist and white-savior mentality!

This statue should be removed!

This depiction is not of equality, there are much better ways to illustrate emancipation and freedom for all

I'm born and raised in Massachusetts. Please take this down. It's an embarrassment. Massachusetts is better than this.

That has to come down ASAP

Remove this statue, and replace it with something that reflects and honors the community

I have worked near that thing for 12 years now. Always gave me a queasy feeling when looking at it. It doesn’t do justice to the moment at all. Rework it with the freed man standing looking eye to eye with Mr. Lincoln.

I can't believe there's something like this in the modern day city of Boston. I also can't believe that as a resident of the city for the last 15 years, this is the first time that I'm learning of such a monument. Not only do artifacts like this not have a place in our city, but the city at large really needs to do a better job of highlighting and educating the history of people of color in Boston.