FORT MYERS, Fla. — The NAACP Lee County branch is urging city leaders to remove the Robert E. Lee bust in Downtown Fort Myers.
The statue was given to the city of Fort Myers by the United Daughters of the Confederacy and dedicated in 1966 during the Civil Rights movement.
There has since been an ongoing debate on Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s place in history.
“He represented lynching, he represented rape, he represented castration, ” said James Muwakkil.
James Muwakkil, president of the NAACP Lee County branch, says the bust located in downtown Fort Myers must come down, as it is a symbol of hate and racial injustice.
“The confederacy fought to keep African-Americans from freedom, ” said Muwakkil.
Current Fort Myers city council member and candidate for mayor Kevin Anderson believes the bust should stay.
“We have to be quick not to censor public art, ” said Anderson.
He emphasized the importance of remembering United States history.
“It is history and we can’t undo history, ” said Kevin Anderson.
We spoke with Jacquelyn McMillen, who also running for city Mayor, she says statues like this one belong in a museum.
“Yes it is a part of history, but like history, everything deserves a place,” said McMiller.
For some the bust of Robert E Lee represents patriotism, but for others, it represents years of enslavement.
“I respect those who want to keep the bust there, at least we are coming to the table. This is requiring a conversation to be had, so we have to meet somewhere in the middle, ” said Jacquelyn McMiller.
Just last week, the Robert E. Lee bust was temporarily removed from its pedestal as a precaution. The move was ordered by the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
On Wednesday, June 11th at 11:30 am, The Lee County NAACP will be giving a formal statement regarding the removal of the bust in Downtown Fort Myers.
