We have happily removed the statue of slave owner and first governor of New York George Clinton in Kingston, New York’s Academy Green park. Now we the people of Kingston want change, to not only spotlight black artists in that spot, but to not even change the name on the statue.

I am of course referring to George Clinton, musician and band leader of Parliament, Funkadelic, P-Funk All Stars, and his own solo work, and much more. George Clinton’s career, though it started in humble North Carolina, seemed to make it’s way through our state commonly. He famously celebrated his 58th birthday at Woodstock 99, one of the biggest festivals in this state’s history, and also played in Central Park on his last tour.

Not only would a statue of the musician George Clinton not represent slave ownership, it would represent the worldwide shift in uplifting black voices, of which Clinton was one of the most inspiring of multiple generations through his funk music 

Another point for erecting a statue of George Clinton where the slave owner George Clinton’s once stood, is appearance of the statue. While 1800’s general’s fashion is ok, George Clinton’s general stage ensemble was wild, off the beaten path and always outside of the box. 

In conclusion, a statue of George Clinton from Parliament funkadelic represent a new generation that honors a new George Clinton than from the days of old, it would represent progress, the uplifting of black artists, but I think that it could represent the spirit of Kingston.