Calls grow to remove statue of Lincoln standing over freed black man in Boston

Thousands of Americans have signed a petition to remove a statue depicting President Abraham Lincoln standing over a freed slave in Boston’s Park Square, as a national movement to remove historical monuments has gained traction following the death of George Floyd.

The Emancipation Memorial statue that has stood in Park Square for more than 100 years shows Lincoln with one hand raised standing above a half-clothed freed slave with broken chains on his wrist who is kneeling at Lincoln’s feet. The statue’s pedestal reads “A race set free and the country at peace. Lincoln rests from his labors.” The memorial represents Lincoln freeing African American slaves at the end of the Civil War. Dorchester native Tory Bullock started the petition last Thursday, which has gained more than 9,000 signatures as of Tuesday, calling for the statue’s removal.

Kurgen

Article URL : https://thehill.com/changing-america/respect/equality/502948-calls-grow-to-remove-statue-of-lincoln-standing-over-freed