BLACK mobile logo

district of columbia

community

Norton Vows to Block Return of Confederate Statue

August 7, 2025

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton has announced plans to reintroduce legislation to permanently remove the statue of Confederate General Albert Pike from federal land in DC, following the National Park Service's intention to reinstall the controversial monument. The bronze statue was toppled by protesters in June 2020 during demonstrations after George Floyd's death, having been a longstanding subject of criticism. Norton argues that Confederate statues belong in museums rather than public spaces where they imply honor, particularly highlighting Pike's dishonorable service record including war crimes and his resignation in disgrace from the Confederate Army.

Who is affected

  • District of Columbia residents
  • Visitors to the Judiciary Square area in DC
  • Black Americans and others offended by Confederate monuments
  • Those who oppose the removal of historical monuments
  • Taxpayers whose funds would be used for reinstallation
  • The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry (original sponsors of the statue)

What action is being taken

  • Congresswoman Norton is preparing to reintroduce legislation to remove the Pike statue
  • The National Park Service is planning to restore and reinstall the controversial monument
  • Norton is advocating for the statue to be donated to a museum or similar entity
  • Social media users are expressing opposition to the statue's reinstallation

Why it matters

  • The statue represents a Confederate general who "took up arms against the United States" and allegedly committed war crimes
  • It raises questions about what historical figures should be honored in public spaces
  • The issue highlights the tension between historical preservation and addressing symbols of racism
  • DC residents have repeatedly demanded removal but lack voting representation in Congress to influence decisions about federal land in their city
  • The statue's original installation was congressionally authorized, making its removal a federal legislative issue

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer

Norton Vows to Block Return of Confederate Statue