Every year, as Columbus Day approaches, the highly contentious question of the Genoese navigator’s place in history is revived. In recent years monuments to Columbus have been the target of hatred and many have been taken down, some even toppled violently. One such statue has found a new home in Blauvelt, New York.
Christopher Columbus, once widely celebrated as the discoverer of the Americas, has become a polarizing figure due to the growing awareness of the negative consequences of his voyages for the indigenous populations of the Americas. The statues erected in his honor have come under scrutiny, with many people calling for their removal, arguing that they symbolize a history of oppression and violence.
The Christopher Columbus statue located in Byrd Park, Richmond, Virginia, became a focal point of protests in 2020 in the wake of the social unrest created by the killing of George Floyd. During these protests, the statue was vandalized and ultimately toppled. Reports and images show the statue on the ground after being pulled down from its pedestal with ropes, defaced with spray paint and lit on fire. The protesters then dragged the statue to a nearby pond and submerged it in water.
That much publicized event drew the ire of the Italian American community which sees Columbus not only as navigator and explorer, but as the symbol of their cultural identity. He is the emblem of achievement and stands for what they have contributed to the American ethnic tapestry and the country’s prosperity, due in large part to its immigrant population.
The statue, created in 1925, has been rededicated in Blauvelt, New York. It has since been restored to the Rockland Sons of Italy Lodge.
“We’re all very proud of Christopher Columbus, and we’re here to preserve the history of Christopher Columbus finding and discovering America,” Paul Borghese of the Order of the Sons of Italy Lodge No.2176, told News12 in Long Island.
Michael Pizzi, another member of the order, told the outlet that the figure “represents Italian heritage and culture and everything that we’re proud of.”
However, the relocation of the statue has reignited discussions on its symbolism and the broader implications of historical monuments in public spaces. Cliff Mathias, cultural director of the Red Hawk Native American Arts Council, told News12 that “Columbus never discovered America,” elaborating by saying he never stepped foot on the continent of what is now considered the United States.
“By no means is Columbus someone that this country should celebrate,” Mathias continued, adding, “If you go to Italy… most of them don’t give a hoot about Columbus. He’s not celebrated in Italy at all.”
Opposing viewpoints are deeply rooted in different interpretations of history and the significance of cultural symbols. While some argue that the statues represent an important part of the heritage and contributions of Italian Americans, other groups contend that these monuments glorify a past that includes the subjugation and suffering of Native American peoples.
As cities and communities grapple with these questions, some have taken steps to provide additional context to the statues, adding plaques or other informational displays that explain the complex legacy of Columbus. Others have opted to remove the statues altogether, sometimes replacing them with new monuments that honor indigenous cultures and histories.
Equally, the Columbus Day parade, a longstanding tradition in many cities, has also become a focal point for discussions about history, heritage, and the legacy of colonialism. The debate has led some cities to reevaluate how they commemorate this day, with a growing number choosing to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day as an acknowledgment of the rich and diverse cultures of the Americas before Columbus’ arrival. The conversation continues to evolve, reflecting a broader societal examination of historical narratives and their present-day implications.
The 80th Annual Columbus Day Parade in New York City, organized by the Columbus Citizens Foundation, is set to follow its tradition, and will be a grand celebration of Italian American heritage and culture. Scheduled for Monday, October 14, 2024, the parade will feature Michael T. Strianese as the Grand Marshal, leading a vibrant procession of over 100 marching groups, including bands and floats, from 44th Street to 72nd Street along Fifth Avenue.
