It is a matter of historical record that, by his own admission, John Mitchell was a white supremacist, an apologist for slavery and an advocate for the reintroduction of the genocidal trans-Atlantic slave trade.

His statue does not deserve a place of honour in Newry City centre. Therefore we, the undersigned, demand:

1. The removal of the statue to a place where Mitchell’s history and context, can be more carefully assessed and discussed in the context of wider abolitionist efforts, including those of other Irish people.

2. The replacement of his statue with a new work of art commemorating the Africans and those of African descent who endured and fought against slavery.

3. That “John Mitchell Place” is renamed “Black Lives Matter Plaza”.

[Co-organisers: Patrick Hughes & Aidan McQuade]