History and Heritage-matter. Truth matters. But who’s? Certainly not those enslaved – theirs was stolen.
Confederate history is grounded in the words of the states’ secession declarations and the Confederate Constitution. Central to all – that “peculiar institution” – chattel slavery. Georgia’s document refers to slavery 26 times, property (which included slaves) 7 – and States Rights zero.
Its heritage stated by Confederate Vice President Alexander Stevens – that the Confederacy’s foundation and its cornerstone rested, “upon the great truth that the negro is not equal to the white man; that slavery, subordination to the superior race, is his natural and normal condition.”
Ironic how these historical words and monuments fall within today’s forbidden doctrine of “divisive concepts” – forbidden to be taught to children or mouthed by adults.
It’s argued they can’t be removed. Yet, there’ve been no successful lawsuits supporting that premise. The Ladies Memorial Association used privately raised monies building this monument. Augusta’s Law Department acknowledges no records exist showing city/county ownership – making the monument privately owned on public property. Arguably, not subject to Georgia law. It’s mentioned that “even colored folks donated.” LMA records show a payment to a colored minstrel troupe of $271, no doubt a fundraiser that sold tickets – that’s hardly donating. Likewise, should relocation happen, I’m confident that even white folks would donate.
Supporters demand consideration. Where’s the consideration for those victimized under this “peculiar institution?” For the centuries of pain experienced and inherited. Relocation would be a start.
They represent an undeniable history of an unjust racial order, of the most brutal institution of enslavement ever endured. What’s true is millions of Africans were shackled in the bottom of ships, sold into a lifetime of forced labor, murder, and rape; all defined by a relentless strategy of dehumanization – whose scars are still felt.
The truth is found in every transaction cataloged in sales receipts and ledgers- considered property, not humans. Their sole purpose – to hold up men whose collective contribution to our national history was a commitment to destroy our Republic in the name and protection of this “peculiar institution.”
Relocation doesn’t erase or change history. It’s simply an act of moving these historically divisive symbols from public spaces. It’s no more an act of erasing history than was the removal of the “whites only” signs. They represent a false narrative of history – erasing the true story of the effect of slavery. They’re the fake news of their time – perpetuated to this day. They keep open those sores, while casting a shadow over our community and permeated our social fabric. Even General Lee saw no value in them-saying they would “keep open the sores of war.”
One day, we’ll be the ancestors and future generations and historians will judge our reflections and actions.
Michael Gallucci
Augusta, Ga.
