*A petition has been launched calling for a statue of Chadwick Boseman to replace a Confederate memorial in the late actor’s hometown in Anderson, South Carolina.
The Change.org petition has generated more than 27,000 signatures.
The Confederate monument was put up in 1902 in front of a courthouse and shows a soldier on a platform. Its inscription reportedly says, in part, “The world shall yet decide, in truth’s clear, far-off light, that the soldiers who wore the gray, and died with Lee, were in the right.”
“Mr. Boseman is without question an American treasure and his accolades go on and on. It is only fitting that his work is honored in the same place that birthed him,” says the petition. “As fellow citizens go about their day they should have a face that sees all people as equal. That sees all citizens regardless of outward appearance as a member of the Anderson community.”
READ MORE: Spike Lee ‘Never Suspected’ Chadwick Boseman Was Sick While Working on ‘Da 5 Bloods’
— Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) August 29, 2020
The star of “Black Panther” passed away on Friday due to colon cancer. He was 43. His family confirmed the heartbreaking news in a post on social media.
“The Confederate Monument belongs in a museum but has no right to be displayed there. I believe the community should come together to honor someone from Anderson, South Carolina, that was able to change the movie industry. He opened many doors for many young Black people with his leading roles in movies such as ‘Black Panther’ or ‘Marshall.’ It is only natural that his hometown honors what he did. There is no need for political controversy in this decision,” the petition says.
“I suggest that the Anderson City Council should decide to replace the statue as soon as they possibly can. It would need to go through to South Carolina Senate as it is illegal to remove said Confederate Monument due to the Heritage Act (which was created as a compromise when the Confederate flag was taken down from the Statehouse),” the petition goes on to say.
“Mr. Boseman is a hero to this nation but more importantly a hero to the town of Anderson. His legacy was one of excellence and equality. As fellow citizens go about their day they should have a face that sees all people as equal. That sees all citizens regardless of outward appearance as a member of the Anderson community.”
Read (and support) the full petition here.
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