Petition for Chadwick Boseman statue to replace Confederate one in Anderson South Carolina gets over 75K signatures
Chadwick Boseman's death has left a hole in many hearts. As the tragic news of the ‘Black Panther’ actor hit fans on August 28, they couldn't believe it and millions poured heartwarming messages for him. He was 43. In no time, a petition was organized to replace the Confederate monument in Anderson with a Chadwick Boseman memorial.
Born and raised in Anderson, South Carolina, Chadwick lived in his hometown with his African-American parents Carolyn — who worked as a nurse — and Leroy Boseman — who worked at a textile factory and had an upholstery business. He grew up there and graduated from TL Hanna High School in 1995. In fact, reports say that Chadwick penned down his first play 'Crossroads' in junior high after a classmate was shot and killed.
Now, the Change.org petition that demands a memorial be built in his hometown has grabbed several eyeballs online and already has over 75,000 signatures. It reads: "Mr. Boseman spent his life uplifting the stories of Black Americans both real and fictional. Throughout his career, he has brought to life such historical figures as James Brown, Jackie Robinson, and Thurgood Marshall. However, most notably he was known for playing T'Challa the King of Wakanda also know as the Black Panther. This film, along with his entire body of work, has uplifted and inspired many Black Americans especially during the turbulent times our nation is going through."
Shedding light on all Chadwick did in his life for his hometown, the petition also reads: "In addition to his illustrious film career, Mr. Boseman made it a mission to give back to his community. Not only with his appearances at his alma mater Howard University but financially as well. Upon the release of his film Black Panther, Mr. Boseman took it upon himself to rent out a theatre in his home town of Anderson South Carolina to show the film for free. So that young boys and girls could be inspired by the film without the financial barrier. Mr. Boseman is without question an American treasure and his accolades go on and on. It is only fitting that his work is honored in the same place that birthed him."
"Earlier this year efforts were made by local residents to remove a Confederate monument located in the town square of downtown Anderson. Unfortunately, this effort gained no traction due to current South Carolina law. It is currently illegal to remove or alter monuments dedicated to confederate war efforts in the state of South Carolina,(SECTION 10-1-165). This has made any effort to remove the statue impossible," it further said, adding, "Many will agree that Mr.Boseman is without question worthy of such a monument in his home town, but I would like to go a step further. I believe that Mr.Boseman is worthy of the spot that is currently occupied in the town square. For those unfamiliar with Anderson, where the confederate monument is currently located is in the center of the town. One cannot go downtown with seeing or passing by this monument."
After thousands signed up to get a monument, a spokesperson for Mayor Terence Roberts' Office in Anderson, SC told TMZ, "The city is enthusiastically working on a permanent public tribute to honor the late actor. We're told the city has already contacted an artist and they're brainstorming ideas on how best to honor the hometown hero who played legendary roles. We're told the statue will include a mix of sculpture with mural and/or art elements." However, the spokesperson said that the removal of the Confederate monument is not in their hands as it requires a two-thirds vote from the state legislature.
Although it marks a joyful celebration, several people are still signing up on the petition and the goal has been increased to 1,50,000 now. It reads: "It is unfair and undemocratic that the residents of Anderson County cannot even assemble to vote on whether or not this statue should remain. Under the current state law, even if the removal was placed on the local ballot and the residents voted for removal it would not be allowed. The statue has been placed on public land and is maintained by taxpayer dollars it only makes sense that the people should have a say on what goes on this land. The function of a government is to serve all of its people. Section 10-1-165 must be repealed. We must move past the tragedies of our past in this nation and celebrate new heroes."
With the continued request for the removal of the Confederate monument, will Chadwick's statue find a place right there or will it be at a new spot? Well, only time will tell. For now, we can wait for more details and plans to be revealed.