New Haven Parks Dept. Officially Removes Christopher Columbus Statue
NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Just one week after the Parks Commission voted for the removal of the Columbus Statue in Wooster Square Park, the City has announced it has been removed as of this afternoon. The statue will remain in custody with the City, ahead of planning for it to reside at the Knights of Columbus Museum. The statue holds deep ties to the Italian-American community, as it was first erected in 1892, and later recast in bronze in 1955. Prior to the statue’s removal this morning, protesters for and against the statute removal demonstrated, and some altercations broke out.
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker released the following statement:
The decision to remove the statue of Columbus today was one that was spearheaded by a group of leaders in the Italian community. While this decision for those leaders was not easy, they courageously did the right thing. I support this decision. I want to take a moment to thank those leaders for their support in recognizing the history of colonialism and its negative effects on many cultures, and their help to identify a place where the statue can reside. I know that there are some people who strongly disagree with the decision to remove the statute. People have the right to protest and express their opinions peacefully. We will work collaboratively to ensure we honor New Haven’s Italian Heritage and immigrant history. I look forward to the many community conversations surrounding what we would like to see replace the statue of Christopher Columbus, and how we can highlight other cultural icons for the many Italian-Americans that have made New Haven their home. It is disappointing that some at the protest incited fighting. New Haven has a long history of lively dialogue, but violence has no place in our city. We face a very challenging moment in history. We must work as a community to listen, understand, and have respectful dialogue with each other. This moment, while challenging, is also an opportunity to bring people together.
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