Across the country people are calling for the removal of Christopher Columbus statues from their communities. In New Britain, many community members have asked us to comment on the Christopher Columbus statue in our city. We at the Coalition believe the statue of Christopher Columbus should be removed.
We cannot have symbols in our city that glorify people who have perpetuated mass violence. However, we also recognize that history must not be forgotten. That is why we are urging public officials to redirect any public funds used to maintain the monument towards the creation of community resources. These resources should include the history of indigenous people in Connecticut.
We accomplished the first step to removing a statue on public land in accordance with our city charter. The petition to remove the statue will now go to the city planning commission who must submit a recommendation to the Common Council.
Next Steps: Here are some action steps current New Britain residents can take to support this call.
Educate yourself on the history of Christoper Columbus “Why Christopher Columbus wasn't the hero we learned about in school” "Why Columbus Day Courts Controversy” “Columbus Day Or Indigenous Peoples' Day?” "Native Voices", US National Library of Medicine “What Became of the Taíno?" Additionally, please contact the Common Council through this email and tell them that it should be taken down: CommonCouncil@NewBritainCT.gov Sign the petition letting the Mayor and the City Council know that you would like to see the
immediate removal of the statute. Petition Link
Email the members of the City Plan Commission and request them to call a special meeting to discuss the removal of the Christopher Columbus statue. Ask them to support the immediate removal of the statue.
EMAIL TEMPLATE:
Dear (Committee member name here),
My name is (Your Name Here) and I am writing about the recent calls to remove the Christopher Columbus Statue in New Britain. I am asking for the City Plan Commission to call a special meeting within the next month to address this matter. I am also requesting that you support the immediate removal of the statue. Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing back from you.
Best,
(Your Name Here)
CONTACT INFORMATION: CITY PLAN COMMISSION
Eileen Gorczyca, egorczyca@aol.com
G. Geoffrey Bray, ggbray@gmail.com
Craig DiAngelo, craigersct@comcast.net
Homer White, HomerQuincy@outlook.com
Mary-Jean Wasley, mjc123@gmail.com