In the year 2011, the newly renovated New Orleans Sazerac Bar in the Roosevelt Hotel still exhibits paintings by celebrated painter Paul Ninas that depicts African American's as lazy cotton picking slaves. The depiction of African slaves picking cotton, shining shoes and one of a slave riding a donkey backwards while drinking in the cotton field; is quite offensive as it hangs as a brutal ornament on the walls in the historic Sazerac Bar.

Several request have been sent to Tod Chambers (General Manager of New Orleans Roosevelt Hotel), requesting that these murals be removed.  After weeks of waiting, Tod Chambers finally responded. In an e mail written by Tod Chambers Executive Assistant, Ashley Hebert, he states "I appreciate your taking the time to share your concerns with us and as a result of your concern, we are consulting with an art historian to install a plaque at the entrance to the Sazerac Bar that expresses not only the feeling you describe but also the historical significance of the artwork created. Thank you again for taking the time to bring this matter to my attention.   I value your opinion and appreciate your business.  I hope and trust that you will make The Roosevelt New Orleans a destination for your friends and family."

This is not acceptable! This petition is a representation of the disdain that citizens throughout the United States of America (particularly in New Orleans) feel. These paintings should be removed and they should be removed now!