Activists Pull Down Controversial Santa Fe Monument
October 16, 2020 – Gene Grant and The Line opinion panelists debate the handling of a controversial monument in Santa Fe’s Plaza. Ongoing angst over the Civil War-era memorial culminated in the obelisk’s destruction on Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Activists have been seeking the monument’s removal for years, objecting to an inscription that described Native communities as “savage.” In June, Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber promised a truth and reconciliation committee that would address racial concern, but then let the matter drop. On Monday, protesters took the matter into their own hands, tearing down the monument while city police took a cautious approach.
Host: Gene Grant
Line Panelists:
Dede Feldman, former state senator
Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group PR
Steve Terrell, retired reporter, Santa Fe New Mexican
For More Information:
Activists Have Long Said a Santa Fe Monument Celebrated the Killings of Native Americans. Crowds Toppled It This Week – CNN
2 Arrests Made in Toppling of Santa Fe Obelisk – KRQE
Native People Marking Day with Stark Reminder of Systemic Racism – Santa Fe New Mexican
The Obelisk Comes Down – Santa Fe Reporter
Protesters Tear Down Obelisk in Santa Fe Plaza —Santa Fe New Mexican
Arrested SF Protesters Released on Bond – Albuquerque Journal
Protester chains self to obelisk in Santa Fe Plaza – Albuquerque Journal