For most, confederate statues represent racism in the U.S. The heated conversation about police brutality has brought up discussion regarding these statues. Activists are petitioning and using their voices to demand these statues get removed due to them being deeply rooted in white supremacy. This is not the first time people have demanded the removal of these statues, the conversation has been brought up over the last 2 decades. However, this is the first time in modern history that the anti-racism movement has gained worldwide attention prompting many to reflect on racism and anything still standing that symbolizes it. 

Over a month ago protests started demanding police reform after the murder of George Floyd. Cities, states and organizations are taking small steps to stand up against racism. Since early June, this has involved the removal of confederate statues, mainly still on display up and down the east coast. 

In Fredericksburg, VA, a slave auction block was removed on June 5th. Birmingham Alabama’s mayor Randall Woodfin removed a confederate statute a week after protestors tried removing it themselves. In Louisville Kentucky, a statue of a confederate officer was removed on June 8th. 

Another statue of a confederate soldier in Nashville Tennessee was removed from an academy after alumni started a petition. The University of Alabama started removing plaques that were in honor of students who fought for the confederate army. The University of Mississippi moved a confederate statue off the campus and instead put it at a secluded cemetery.

In Jacksonville Florida, a statue commemorating the civil war was removed overnight. In Charleston, S.C., a statue of a Vice President that defended slavery was removed on June 24th. Delaware removed a whipping post that was on public display outside a courthouse in Georgetown, Delaware. The mayor of Richmond, Virginia ordered emergency removal of confederate statues. Boston Massachusetts removed a statue depicting Abraham Lincoln with a freed black man at his feet. 

Aside from all the statues being removed, the U.S. Marine corps banned all images of the confederate flag on June 5th. Racial justice is a hot topic and rightfully so. Despite the end of segregation, systemic oppression has continued for far too long. Having these conversations are crucial if we want to see real change take place. Thousands are still peacefully protesting demanding change across the board when it comes to racial injustice, police reform and accountability.