FORT MYERS, FL. — The removal of the Robert E. Lee monument from Downtown Fort Myers is a debate that has been going on for several years.
In a renewed effort, the Lee County NAACP is once again urging city leaders to permanently remove the bust and pedestal, saying it symbolizes racism.
On Wednesday, supporters of permanently removing the monument gathered at its base, saying it's time it comes down.
"It presents racism, it presents hate, and that's what we saw with George Floyd," said James Muwakkil, president of the Lee County NAACP.
The sons of confederate veterans asked for the bust to temporarily removed as a precaution last week following the spark of protests across the country.
"This represents hates, and there is no room for that anymore in the United States, it's time to take a stand," said Mary King of Fort Myers.
Demonstrators also gathered around the base of the monument over the weekend, demanding justice for George Floyd and racial equality.
"The only reason that they're keeping this up is to remind them of false superiority and to remind blacks to stay in your place," said Muwakkil.
But there are mixed emotions regarding the permanent removal of the Robert E. Lee monument that's been in Downtown Fort Myers since the late '60s.
"It's not a hate symbol," said David McCallister.
McCallister is a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. He says the monument is a tribute to the name of the county.
"The character of Robert E. Lee has not changed, he was a fine American, worthy of being the name of the county when the county was named, and he is worthy now," said McCallister.
Others say it's part of U.S history, good or bad.
"I don't agree that anyone's history should be permanently removed. There are a lot of things that happened in this country that even though they might not be with what I agree with, they shouldn't be removed," said Kurt Martin of Fort Myers.
But supporters of permanently removing the monument from Downtown Fort Myers say there's a place for everything.
"I understand the symbolism to the ones who want to keep it here. Put it in a museum, and you can go see it whenever you want," said King.
