Robert E. Lee Monument
The bronzed monument in the likeness of Confederate general, Robert E. Lee. (Photo by: Harry Kollatz, Jr.)
Mayor Dwight C. Jones weighed in last week on whether Richmond should remove Confederate statues from Monument Avenue. Rather than tear the statues down, the mayor recommended the city erect more to better tell the full story of Richmond’s history.
In light of Jones’ comments, we reached out to people across the city and asked: Who would you memorialize on Monument Avenue? And why? Read here the responses from Edward Ayers (former president of the University of Richmond, noted Civil War scholar), Ana Edwards (chair of the Sacred Ground Historical Reclamation Project of the Defenders for Freedom, Justice & Equality), Stacy Burrs (former CEO of Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia), Greg Wingfield (former president and CEO of the Greater Richmond Partnership), Jack Lauterback (morning radio host on 103.7 Play), John Murden (founder of Church Hill People's News) and Jeff Majer (founder of History Replays Today podcast).
Jefferson Davis Monument
President of the Confederacy Jefferson Davis is memorialized on Monument Avenue. (Photo courtesy: Josh Rinehults/Getty Images)
We also asked Richmond magazine readers and Richmonders, in general, who they would add to Monument Avenue. We've received email responses, and suggestions have been posted on our Facebook wall and tweeted to us. Read those suggestions here, and don't forget to send us yours.
Gen. Robert E. Lee Monument
Perhaps one of the most-recognized names from the Civil War and Richmond history, Gen. Robert E. Lee is memorialized on Monument Avenue. (Photo courtesy: Josh Rinehults/Getty Images)
Email your suggestions to markr@richmag.com, post them on our Facebook page, or tweet them to us (@RichmondMag).
