‘We don’t take things down, history is history’ Cordele Commission hears arguments over confederate monument

CORDELE, Ga. – Three weeks ago, Cordele native Trent Karr started a petition to remove Cordele’s confederate statue.

Trent Karr, representative of those who want the monument removed

“For too long the statue has overlooked Black Americans in Cordele, its only purpose is to glorify those who committed treason against the United States by fighting to keep Black Americans enslaved,” says Karr.

The petition has garnered nearly 8,000 signatures in support.

During the Cordele commission meeting Tuesday night, Karr told commissioners why he thinks it should be removed.

He said, “It’s there to intimidate Black people by constantly reminding them of the time when their ancestors were treated worse than animals. It’s purpose is not to remember history, that’s what history books are for. We don’t erect statues of our enemies to remember history.”

Commission Chairman John Wiggins responded by telling Karr that the city has no control over the monument.

Commission Chairman John E. Wiggins

“The statue is that the City of Cordele don’t even own the statue in the first place. Don’t even own the property that it’s sitting on,” said Wiggins.

And because the city only maintains the property, the statue isn’t going anywhere unless the property owners take it down.

Attorney Adrian Patrick offered the commissioners a different option. 

Adrian Patrick representing those who wish to leave the monument alone, and instead erect an African Renaissance statue.

“I support keeping statues up not taking them down,” says Patrick.

He requested that the city find a plot of land close to the confederate statue on which the organization he represents could erect an African Renaissance monument.

We’re going to have a new African Renaissance statue up while recognizing what happened in the past. We’re going to show progress. We don’t take things down, history is history whether you like it or not.”

Commissioner Royce Reeves agreed with Patrick.

“I’m in total agreeance as we spoke about not so much removing but to add,” says Reeves.

There was no decision to be made on the confederate structure, but Reeves believes the statue will warrant further discussion with citizens.