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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsPastor Wants Presidents Names Removed From Washington, Jackson Parks Over Ties To Slavery
CHICAGO (CBS) A Chicago pastor has asked the Emanuel administration to remove the names of two presidents who owned slaves from parks on the South Side, saying the city should not honor slave owners in black communities.
A bronze statue of George Washington on horseback stands at the corner of 51st and King Drive, at the northwest entrance to Washington Park.
Bishop James Dukes, pastor of Liberation Christian Center, said he wants the statue gone, and he wants George Washingtons name removed from the park.
When I see that, I see a person who fought for the liberties, and I see people that fought for the justice and freedom of white America, because at that moment, we were still chattel slavery, and was three-fifths of humans, he said. Some people out here ask me, say Well, you know, he taught his slaves to read. Thats almost sad; the equivalent of someone who kidnaps you, that you gave them something to eat.
Dukes said, even though Washington was the nations first president and led the American army in the Revolutionary War, hes no hero to the black community.
Theres no way plausible that we would even think that they would erect a Malcolm X statue in Mount Greenwood, Lincoln Park, or any of that. Not that say Malcolm X was a bad guy; they just would not go for it, he said. Native Americans would not even think about putting up a Custer statue, because of the atrocities that he plagued upon Native Americans. And for them to say to us just accept it is actually insulting.
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2017/08/16/jackson-washington-park-protest-presidents-slave-owners/
zipplewrath
(16,646 posts)The stark reality is that when slaves had to take on last names, they often chose Washington and Jefferson (Strangely, not as many took on Lincoln). Washington's accomplishments were unique significant, even if he wasn't perfect by any stretch. Jefferson, being the author predominately of the DOI, is an interestingly (and creates a wonderful teachable moment) someone who represents what we all are on occasion, well intentioned if not still suffering from some blind spots. Jackson, well, he shoulda been forgotten long ago.
oswaldactedalone
(3,491 posts)In due time, let's take care of the Confederate abominations first, then maybe go for it. Are you sure this is a legit request. Seems to play right into Dump's hands from his comments yesterday.
Dreamer Tatum
(10,926 posts)almost nothing would be named after historical figures.
SoCalNative
(4,613 posts)neither of those presidents committed treason against the United States. Every last confederate supporter, soldier, commander and sympathizer did.
SharonClark
(10,014 posts)LittleBlue
(10,362 posts)Cincinnati was named after Lucius Cincinnatus who, like all Roman patricians, owned slaves. Alexander the Great sold slaves, so every Alexandria has to go too.