A significant cultural and historical re-evaluation of public spaces across the United States has led to the removal of hundreds of Confederate monuments, with many sites subsequently being considered for or already featuring tributes to Black historical figures. Since the Charleston church shooting in 2015 and particularly following the widespread racial justice protests of 2020, at least 482 Confederate symbols, including 94 monuments in 2020 alone, have been removed, renamed, or relocated from public view, according to data from the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC).
The movement to dismantle these monuments stems from their association with white supremacy and the Confederacy's pro-slavery stance. Critics argue that these statues, many erected during the Jim Crow era, served as symbols of racial intimidation rather than historical remembrance. The removal efforts have gained momentum as communities grapple with how public spaces reflect American values and history.
In some instances, the removal of Confederate statues has directly paved the way for new monuments celebrating Black history and achievement. For example, in Richmond, Virginia, the former capital of the Confederacy, artist Kehinde Wiley's "Rumors of War"—a statue depicting a young Black man on horseback—was permanently installed near the city's historic Monument Avenue. This piece offers a contemporary counter-narrative to the traditional equestrian statues of Confederate generals. Similarly, legislation was passed to replace a statue of pro-slavery Chief Justice Roger Taney in the U.S. Capitol with one of Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice.
The ongoing transformation of public memorials has drawn varied reactions. Commenting on this trend, Wanjiru Njoya stated in a recent tweet, > "The superstitious ghouls are taking down Confederate monuments so they can instal black people in the exact same spot. They're trying to erase a thing they call 'white supremacy' by switching the statues from white to black." This perspective highlights the contention surrounding the changes, viewing them as an attempt to erase historical narratives rather than an effort to create more inclusive ones.
The debate underscores a broader national reckoning with the legacy of slavery and racial injustice. As communities decide what, if anything, should replace the removed monuments, the shift towards honoring Black Americans and a more comprehensive historical narrative continues to reshape the landscape of public memory.