Clip of the Week: Confederate Statues and NYC's Monuments of Racism

A racist hate march organized by domestic terrorists in Charlottesville, Virginia-- wherein counter-protester Heather Heyer was killed and several others injured when a white supremacist drove into a crowd with an intent to harm-- was no doubt the forefront of the world's news this week. The president backtracked on his denouncement of the white supremacists' violence and falsely equated racist anger at statues of confederate soldiers being torn down with Black Lives Matter protestors demonstrating for the right to basic humanity. Worldwide outrage sparked at not only another centuries-old racist attempt to use fear and violence to preserve power, but an act of demonizing the marginalized who have always beared the brunt of systemic oppression. In a domino effect, tech companies have ceased associations with white supremacist groups, and subsequently, leaders across the country have called to have confederate statues taken down. Governor Cuomo ordered the removal of Confederate Civil War General Robert E. Lee at CUNY as well as street signs dedicated to confederate leaders.

But Cuomo's act brings attention to the fact that racist heroes are not just a Southern staple, but northern states, especially New York, have to contend with its racist past and present, specifically racist preservations that honor bigots and not victims. In this special MNN panel, Marina Ortiz of East Harlem Preservation Society, author of "Medical Apartheid" Harriet Washington, and East Harlem community board member Diane Collier discuss their long-time plan to have the statue of J. Marion Sims, known as the father of modern gynecology who used Black slave women against their will in developing medical techniques, removed. Watch a discussion of American history, how those in power have continuously used the powerless for personal gain, and how America immortalizes them.

-- AK