RICHMOND, Va. -- For the sixth night in a row, masses gathered in Richmond to protest police brutality and the death of George Floyd, who was killed by a Minneapolis Police Officer.
But after 5 days of demonstrations, Gov. Ralph Northam announced that he has plans to remove the famous Robert E. Lee monument on Monument Avenue, a massive statue dedicated to the former leader of the Confederacy.
Additionally, Richmond mayor Levar Stoney announced that he would introduce an ordinance to remove all other Confederate statues in the city.
“This is a surprise to us but we’re glad they’re taking action and they’re taking what we’re saying seriously and our voices are being heard finally," Shaunah Smyre said.
Protesters were gathered around the Lee statue when the news broke.
“It needs to go. I’m sick and tired of trying to learn about this history that’s disgusting," Halley Robertson said.
“I hope that it’s not just performative," Michaela Stevens added.
Demonstrators said that they will continue showing up until they see real change.
"I want to encourage everyone to keep voicing their opinions because as you can see when we come together, sharing our opinions, making our voices heard, we’re definitely getting things done," Smyre said.
