My heart dropped when I learned that a statute celebrating all the soldiers who fought for the Confederate Army would be moved from the Sam Houston Park to the Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC). This is a statute that was erected in 1908 by the Robert E. Lee Chapter #186 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. This statue was erected for the purpose of honoring those who fought to keep my forefathers in slavery. In fact, it is inscribed with the following language “to all heroes of the South who fought for the principles of states rights”. The states’ rights they fought to defend were the rights of each of the states to decide for themselves to maintain the system of enslaving African American people.

I know some believe we should never ever forget that slavery existed, and I am one of those. I also know that some believe that these statues should be in museums, I'm not sure that I agree with that point of view. What I do believe is that a history of the Civil War should be captured in museum, but not in the form of statutes. Statues are erected for the purpose of “honoring” people and events. I don't believe that a statue honoring individuals that fought to continue the enslavement of my people and destroy this nation of ours should exist anywhere on the face of the earth. Do you actually believe that someone would suggest putting a statute honoring all of the heroes who fought with Hitler in the Holocaust Museum? This is a rhetorical question; but the answer is absolutely NO. Let’s recognize the civil war; but not honor the traitors who made it necessary.

At a time when it appears that the thought of equality for all and reformation of our law enforcement institutions are at the forefront of our minds, I find it hard to believe that the City of Houston and the Houston Museum of African American Culture, would even consider bestowing such an honor on individuals who created treasonous acts against this nation almost 160 years ago.

As Branch President of the NAACP Houston Branch and with the full support of its Officers, Executive Committee and Membership, we condemn the honoring of confederate statutes.

James M. Douglas – Branch President

NAACP Houston Branch