We are calling for the removal of all Confederacy objects of remembrance from public spaces in Wilmington, NC, including the George Davis statue at Market and Third Streets, the Confederate Memorial at Third and Dock Streets, and the Confederate Soldiers Monument at Oakdale Cemetery. We would like all such objects to be placed in museums or memorial site(s) and until removal, we would like them immediately covered or otherwise concealed.
Why is this important?
It's time to stand on the right side of history.
The purpose of these monuments is to honor Confederacy beliefs, of which our city should rid itself. The Confederacy fought to maintain slavery and white supremacy in the United States. Now is the time to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters of color and to make amends for the racist policies of its past by removing these objects of remembrance which celebrate this horrific, traumatizing past.
Beyond doing what is right and just, our Governor has called for the removal of Confederacy monuments and we should follow suit with other NC cities. By removing these Confederacy objects of remembrance from our public spaces and the cemetery we are showing our willingness to fight against systemic racism, white supremacy, and the historic oppression of the Black community. The removal will show everyone that our city is a place that doesn't just welcome all people, but fights for all people. These statues belong in museums, not in our streets.
