The statue of Confederate President Jefferson Davis in Kentucky’s Capitol building will be removed.
Kentucky’s Historic Properties Advisory Commission voted on Friday to remove the Davis statue from the capitol and relocate it to Fairview, Davis’ birthplace. LEX-18 News in Lexington is reporting that the vote took place via video conference, and a motion to remove the statute was approved by an 11-1 vote.
LEX-18 is reporting that Brandon Wilson cast the sole “no” vote, citing “our history is our history” as a reason for his vote. Wilson followed by entering a motion to remove all statues from the capitol, but the motion was denied as the meeting was held solely for the purpose of considering the Davis statue.
Gov. Andy Beshear issued the following statement following Friday’s vote:
“Today has been a historic day in the Commonwealth. Pursuant to my request, the Historic Properties Advisory Commission met and, in a bipartisan vote, voted to remove the Jefferson Davis statue from our Rotunda. It was past time for this vote and for this action. But what it will mean is that we get a little closer to truly being Team Kentucky – that every child who walks into this Capitol feels welcome, and none of them have to look at a symbol and a statue that stands for the enslavement of their ancestors. Today is a move toward showing that everybody is welcome in this building and that our government should work for the betterment of every single Kentuckian – that we have systematic issues that we must address, but that now is the time to truly move forward, to truly make progress and to show that Team Kentucky includes every single Kentuckian.”
Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron also supports the removal of the Davis statue. Cameron issued a comment to LEX-18 News about the statue’s removal.
“Jefferson Davis is our past, but he didn’t define our future, Abraham Lincoln did,” Cameron said in the statement. “I think the Davis statue should be relocated, but it is up to the Historical Properties Advisory Commission. If the commission decides to replace it, I can think of many other historical figures more deserving of a permanent home in our Capitol.”
