Charlottesville’s Confederate Statues Are Down — What About the Others?

After a tumultuous four years following the tragic “Unite the Right” rally that resulted in one death, Charlottesville, Virginia, has finally removed its Confederate statues of generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. This marked a significant turning point in a long and painful history. The events leading up to this moment were marred by widespread outrage and resistance from those who clung to the “Heritage Not Hate” narrative, which often serves as a guise for the erasure of Black history. The rally itself was a stark reminder of America’s struggle with white supremacy, culminating in the horrifying act of a man driving his car into counter-protesters, killing Heather Heyer and injuring 19 others.

Fast forward four years: amidst the backdrop of the Black Lives Matter movement and the national outcry sparked by the deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, the statues have finally been taken down. Yet, the question remains — why did it take so long? Following the rally, a circuit court judge initially ruled that the statues could not be removed due to a Virginia state law that protects war memorials. However, in April, the Virginia State Supreme Court overturned that ruling, affirming that the law, enacted in 1997, did not apply to the statues erected in the 1920s.

And yet, why weren’t those statues removed in the middle of the night? Where was the urgency?

Confederate Statues Still Stand Throughout the South

This summer, I took my children to Monument Avenue in Richmond. While the city has taken down statues of Jefferson Davis and Jackson, the monument of Robert E. Lee still looms large. Even Virginia’s Governor Ralph Northam has called for its removal, but legal battles continue, with multiple lawsuits still pending. It’s essential to remember that Lee was a staunch supporter of slavery, believing it to be a necessary evil, and he was brutal to his slaves. Despite this, his likeness remains in public spaces.

For a moment, I invite you to consider your Black friends. What emotions might surface when they see monuments dedicated to individuals who fought for the right to enslave their ancestors? If this doesn’t stir anger within you, then it may be time to reflect on the depth of your understanding of these issues.

Exploring the Legacy of Genocide

Kerri Smilie recently highlighted this disparity in a compelling Facebook post, noting, “In Germany, we did not see a single statue of a Nazi.” In stark contrast, we have statues commemorating individuals like Lee, who subjected his slaves to extreme cruelty, and Nathan Bedford Forrest, who profited from the slave trade. The vice president of the Confederacy, Alexander Hamilton Stephens, participated in the horrific abuse of his enslaved woman.

These statues represent a dark legacy of genocide, as millions of Africans were forcibly transported across the Atlantic and subjected to unimaginable suffering. The truth is, many monuments around the South are not just war memorials; they are symbols of oppression and brutality.

Recognizing the Symbols of Oppression

Next time you visit your state capitol or parks, take a moment to notice the Confederate statues. They are monuments to a painful history. Many schools and institutions carry the names of these individuals, including Jefferson Davis High School and Stonewall Jackson High School. Even in Tennessee, schools are named for Forrest, who founded the KKK. Yet, when statues are removed, the intent often shifts to display them in museums, rather than confronting their offensive legacy.

The statues in Charlottesville may have come down, but countless others still stand, glorifying a history steeped in hatred and white supremacy. These are not relics of a noble past but reminders of the oppression that affected millions. It’s time to dismantle these symbols of evil.

For further reading on related topics, check out our post on home insemination here, and if you’re seeking resources on fertility, explore this excellent guide on pregnancy and home insemination.

Summary:

Charlottesville’s recent removal of Confederate statues highlights a broader issue of how monuments to figures who fought for slavery continue to exist across the South. The statues represent a painful history that should not be glorified. Understanding their implications is crucial in addressing the legacy of oppression in America.