New Jersey plans to replace the statue of Christopher Columbus with a monument of Harriet Tubman.
This decision has sparked a lot of controversy and debate among the residents of Newark. While some are applauding this move as a step towards inclusivity and social justice, others are criticizing it as an act of erasing history. The controversy around the Columbus statue has been brewing for a long time, and the state thought it was time to take action.
Columbus has long been hailed as a hero for discovering America. But his success is slowly being erased in front of our eyes, with some referring to Columbus Day as Indigenous People’s Day. The focus has shifted from the European discovery of the Americas to the legacy being marred by his brutal treatment of the indigenous people he encountered. Activists in New Jersey say the statue has long been seen as a symbol of oppression, and it was time to replace it with a more deserving figure.
Years ago, activists sought to put Harriet Tubman on American currency saying that having all white men on American money was a sign of oppression. They went on to say “she was a brave and courageous woman who risked her life to free slaves and fight against slavery. She embodies the spirit of resilience and hope, and her story is a testament to the human spirit’s strength.”
No honest person can deny Harriet Tubman’s bravery and her role in helping slaves find their way to freedom leading up to the abolishment of slavery. No honest person should deny that Columbus discovered the land where we call home. Both are necessary to our history!
We’re seeing a shift in American society where the founders of our country are perceived as villains, and generations of otherwise free Americans are enslaved and bound in their minds. This is due to purposeful and precise teachings of hatred, where differences are highlighted over the things that unify us.
Activists say that replacing the Columbus statue with Tubman’s monument is a symbolic gesture that sends a powerful message. It shows that the state of New Jersey is committed to creating a more inclusive and diverse society. It also acknowledges the contributions of African Americans to the growth and development of America, which have been ignored for far too long.
However, some people (including myself) are criticizing this decision as an act of erasing history. As a New Jerseyan myself, I have spent countless hours in my community with young individuals telling them that if you erase history you will never learn from the mistakes that have crushed civilizations and the people in them!
Columbus is an essential part of American history and removing his statue is a step toward erasing the past. While it is true that Columbus played a significant role in American history, you find more people that don’t care about the discovery they are currently enjoying because of what he did. They want to look for anything they can to continue to be victims of past actions that have no direct effect on the lives they live today.
But activists continue to say replacing the Columbus statue with Tubman’s monument is not about erasing history; it is about recognizing the contributions of other historical figures who have been ignored for far too long. It is about acknowledging the dark parts of our past and working towards a brighter future. They think New Jersey’s decision to replace the Columbus statue with Harriet Tubman’s monument is a step towards creating a more inclusive and diverse society. While it still has controversy surrounding the decision New Jersey Activists hope it sends a powerful message that we are committed to acknowledging the contributions of all Americans, regardless of their race or ethnicity. It is a symbolic gesture that should be celebrated, not criticized.
Without Columbus there would be no Tubman. Both individuals did extraordinary things for those who came after them. We need to revert back to teaching the honest truth of our history; the good, the bad, and the ugly.
