Addressing Our Racist History

This relic is a physical representation of the ideals of the Confederate and what it stood for. It has no place in a forward moving society. In 2020 why do we need a 27 foot reminder of White Supremacy? I often hear people say “It’s heritage not hate” and “We can’t erase history or it will repeat itself” but those statements and the Common Solider celebrated the idea of slavery and the hate for an entire race of people. The way to keep history from repeating itself starts by showing solidarity and acknowledging the wrong doings of the past. Not holding on to a symbol of a lost war. We must remove this statue and begin to unlearn the years of hate that it represents. 

   To our mayor, the city council members of Mobile, and to the other leaders and law makers of our city and state, this is a public purpose petition asking our representatives to reflect the inclusive mindsets and social progressiveness of the majority of the citizens of Mobile and CHANGE THE NAME OF THE GEORGE WALLACE TUNNEL TO THE VIVIAN MALONE TUNNEL. This change will ensure faith and confidence in the “One Mobile” agenda. With this simple, but meaningful action, Mobile can become a leader in social growth and development in the state of Alabama, which will bring economic growth and opportunity to more of our citizens. It is proven that inclusion and representation has a positive effect on the economy and society as a whole.    “Segregation now, segregation tomorrow, and segregation forever.” Those were the words of former governor Wallace of Alabama in 1963. He went against federal justice department orders when he attempted to deny access to the University of Alabama to two students, James Hood and Vivian Malone. The tunnel was built 10 years later in 1973 in spite of his audacious behavior. His words do not represent the hearts of the majority of the ppl in our city or our state. Honoring people who have used that kind of language threatens the One Mobile agenda. This is why we, the citizens of Mobile, are requesting to change the name of the George Wallace Tunnel to the Vivian Malone Tunnel.    Vivian J. Malone was a graduate of Central High School in Mobile. She was met with extreme resistance from the former governor, but still became the first African American student to graduate from the University of Alabama. Her determination and hard work in the face of all of the adversity demonstrates the character that should be in the heart of each and every citizen of Alabama; a true legend. Changing the name of the tunnel to the Vivian Malone Tunnel would bring her journey full circle.  

We must remove the monument to the racist, traitor to the United States, and Confederate Soldier John Ireland, from downtown Seguin. Ireland held offices such as Mayor of Seguin and Governor of Texas. He is a stain on the soul of our great city and state. A firm believer in slavery, Ireland campaigned for greater efforts to reclaim slaves who had run away to freedom in Mexico. He was an ardent secessionist and served as a delegate of Seguin to the 1861 Secession Convention. He enlisted in the Confederate States Army as a private and eventually worked his way through the ranks to that of lieutenant colonel. Throughout the Civil War, Ireland was stationed within the Texas borders, patrolling along the Rio Grande border and along the Gulf Coast, where he was stationed at the civil war's end in 1865. Following the war, Ireland participated in the Reconstruction Convention of 1866 and was soon elected judge of the Seguin District. He was removed from his position the following year for his roles in the Confederacy by Republicans that seized power. We cannot allow history to be rewritten by Confederate Apologists. Ireland was not a good man and has absolutely no right to be honored in the way he is downtown in Seguin, TX. 

I am requesting the removal of the General Custer statue that is centered in downtown Monroe, MI. This statue represents a man who was glorified by using mass genocide of Native Americans. It does not represent what our town stands for in 2020.  By taking this statue down it will give the community a sense of change and hope for the future of future members of monroe. We want our kids to grow up safe, happy, healthy, and unafraid to die.