Our community is opening its eyes to the truths about our collective history.  Our world's history -even our worst moments- is something we cannot deny.  But we should no longer CELEBRATE the worst parts with statues, parks, streets and buildings.  Around the globe, people are taking it upon themselves to topple these shameful symbols of conquest, leading to costly damages.

The continued presence of the Columbus Monument at 59th and 8th, and the Columbus name throughout New York is such an example.  We petition the Governor,  Mayor, Senators Gillibrand and Schumer, and would also implore Congressman Nadler and Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer to rename the area to honor Seneca Village, an historical landmark where people from various cultural backgrounds lived together.

As mentioned on the Central Park Conservancy's website, "Seneca Village [1825-1857] was a community of predominantly African-Americans, many of whom owned property."

This industrious community was "two-thirds African American, one-third Irish immigrants, and...Germans." There were many other cultures represented in this community.

Columbus has been proven to be one of the worst parts of our history, and yet our tax dollars still maintain the avenues, statues, train stations and the like in his name.  It's time we celebrate that which deserves to be celebrated, and put Columbus in a museum where he belongs.

Seneca Circle could celebrate one of the best parts of our collective history. 

It was a MELTING POT. 

It is, quintessentially, NEW YORK.

The #CancelChrisColumbus Organizers