RICHMOND, Va. -- Mayor Levar Stoney will introduce an ordinance to remove the Confederate monuments lining Richmond's Monument Avenue on July 1.
Throughout the 5 days of protest, the monuments of Confederate leaders on Monument Avenue have been thoroughly spray painted and served as rallying spaces for protesters.
On July 1, the city will be granted the power to take down Confederate monuments on city land, per recent action by the General Assembly.
The Stoney administration alongside Councilman Mike Jones has said they will introduce an ordinance to remove all Confederate monuments on Monument Avenue.
“I appreciate the recommendations of the Monument Avenue Commission – those were the appropriate recommendations at the time. But times have changed, and removing these statues will allow the healing process to begin for so many Black Richmonders and Virginians,” said Mayor Stoney. “Richmond is no longer the Capital of the Confederacy – it is filled with diversity and love for all – and we need to demonstrate that.”