To still publicly celebrate and revere a figure for whom "public perceptions have changed as recent scholars have given greater attention to negative aspects of his life, such as his enslavement of the indigenous population in his quest for gold and his brutal subjugation of the Taíno people, leading to their near-extinction, as well as allegations of tyranny towards Spanish colonists" [wikipedia] with a statue - that was not even created by local artists -  is patently ridiculous.

It is time - in fact, we are past due - to show our disgust for Columbus's actions by removing the statue. It is time we focus on celebrating past and present members of our vibrant arts community. Let's hire local sculptors to design and build a replacement!

We are also long overdue in publicly celebrating the incredible life and work of the startlingly innovative and singular jazz musician Rahsaan Roland Kirk, who was born in Columbus in 1935 and lived in Flytown, which Comfest (and many other arts events) has called home for many years. Among Kirk's many stellar accomplishments and attributes, his musical innovations, his triumphs over adversity, his sense of humor, and his dedication to civil rights resound with and are celebrated by thousands who walk the streets he did as a youth. He was a shining star of the underdogs, a true and truly humble original. A better local inspiration could never be found.

KNOCK DOWN COLUMBUS AND RAISE KIRK UP!!