Lee statue to be removed from Richmond's Monument Avenue, Wed, Sep 8 !!!!

[AverageOldGuy]

https://richmond.com/news/local/lee-statue-on-richmonds-monument-avenue-will-be-removed-wednesday-morning/article_564094aa-7a89-5a34-8c9b-155c9dcaf990.html#tracking-source=home-top-story

The Monument Avenue statue of Robert E. Lee, a symbol of Confederate glorification that became the epicenter of calls for racial justice in Richmond, will be removed from its pedestal Wednesday morning.

The 60-foot-tall bronze statue of the Confederate general atop a horse will be removed in pieces 131 years after it was first erected.

The administration of Gov. Ralph Northam announced Monday that preparations will begin Tuesday evening, when crews will install protective fencing along Monument Avenue and Allen Street. The statue itself will be removed Wednesday morning. On Thursday, crews will remove the plaques at the base of the statue and replace a time capsule believed to be at the site.

The Lee statue is the last Confederate icon along Richmond’s Monument Avenue to be removed.

In Richmond, the former capital of the Confederacy, the removals have signaled the rejection of Confederate glorification — a movement that sought to perpetuate discrimination against Black people while denying that a key impetus for the Civil War was the defense of slavery

.

On May 29, 1890, crowds were estimated at 100,000 to view the unveiling of the first monument, a massive memorial to Robert E. Lee. Confederate General Jubal Early -- a subordinate and worshipper of Lee -- made the dedication speech in which he all but declared that Lee was seated at the right hand of God. Early was responsible for the creation of the "Lost Cause" myth through his control of the Southern Historical Society.

For your reading pleasure:

Robert E. Lee and Me: A southerner's Reckoning with the Myth of the Lost Cause

The Myth of the Lost Cause and Civil War History

Lee's Tarnished Lieutenant

[Lithos]

1. About time

Look, I love history. I love reading Civil War history. But these statues have zero to do with the Civil War from a historical standpoint and everything to do with perpetuating a bigoted culture based on hate. F- the Neo-confederacy.

L-

[underpants]

2. I just saw this.

I have to go into work. I think they are expecting a big crowd given the area they’ve closed dow streets.

I really am shocked this is happening. I’m glad but having lived here almost 30 years it’s still nothing I ever thought would actually happen.

[Eugene]

3. kick for the a.m.

[lagomorph777]

4. Very glad to hear it.

Northam's been working overtime to rehabilitate his image, and I applaud him for it.

[Elessar Zappa]

5. Good!