Syracuse, N.Y. - Mayor Ben Wlash has announced that move forward with the steps in local and state law to remove the Columbus statue, the heads of Indigenous peoples of the Plains and the relief plaques and seek to have them moved to a private site
Continuing a tradition in place for nearly 90 years, Mayor Walsh said Italian Americans will remain the focus of honor of the fountain and obelisk monument at the center of the Circle.
“This space should be both a tribute to Italian Americans and a place of healing at which we celebrate our shared accomplishments" Walsh said.
Following through on a proposal made this summer to create a year-round education and learning site, Walsh has proposed that historical information be added at the Circle regarding the impacts of colonialism.He said the site will recognize the Onondaga Nation.
“This decision is based on the fact that we can honor our Italian American community without focusing on a statue that has become the source of division over decades and overshadowed the original intent of the monument.”
(Getty Images)