The statue of Edward Colston that has been torn down was a monument to a slave trader and a symbol of the wealth extracted through the slave trade. Now is a powerful moment in history, and as we tear down these structures that perpetuate systemic racism we must not forget our history by allowing it to be completely erased and later denied.

Instead, this petition is to try and encourage the Mayor, Council, and MPs of Bristol to reflect on its history, and replace the statue with a sculpture/permanent art installation that is created by local, black artists that symbolises the struggle and history of slavery and racism that is so inherent in Bristol's development. Today, Bristol is one of the most racially divided and inequitable cities in the UK. This needs to change. Commissioning a permanent piece to replace the statue of Colston would be a perfect symbol of how the times are so vastly different to the times of Colston, and would give the black community a chance to express their feelings and experiences, whilst also showing a reflective look at Bristol's past.

The statue of Edward Colston should be replaced by something that keeps this dark history visible, and can also be a testament to realising an equal future where black lives matter.