Down goes Robert E. Lee
Never let it be said that the citizens of our great country do not have power. It was early morning in Virginia. The people were there in droves. Their excitement was palpable as throngs of them gathered in Charlottesville, Virginia.
They were gathered in love, this time not hate. But they had witnessed hate that terrible and dark day. Today was not to be a day of hate. Today was to be a celebration. The people were there for the removal of the statue of one Robert E. Lee. And this time, things were not going to go wrong.
So, the people came out. They waited expectantly. They laughed and chattered. The mood was upbeat. Throngs of them gathered together to see the statue removed. And it was. Amidst joyous cheers, the statue that had caused so much pain was taken down.
“Taking down this statue is one small step closer to the goal of helping Charlottesville, Virginia, and America grapple with the sin of being willing to destroy Black people for economic gain,” Charlottesville Mayor Nikuyah Walker said.
Zyahna Bryant was an idealistic 16 year old when she started the petition for the statue to come down. Now all these years later, her wish had come true.
After the removal, Bryant tweeted out a message: “My work here is done.” No, never ever let it be said the people lack power. Thank you, Zyahna Bryant, and thank you, Charlottesville.
