Removal of Roosevelt Equestrian Statue at US Natural History Museum Amid Growing Anti-Racism Sentiment

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The equestrian statue of former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, which has guarded the entrance of the American Museum of Natural History in New York, will be removed after more than 80 years amid growing opposition to racial discrimination.

According to the Associated Press on the 21st (local time), New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio stated, "The American Museum of Natural History requested the removal of the Roosevelt statue because it explicitly depicts Black people and Native Americans as subordinate and racially inferior."

Mayor de Blasio said, "New York City supports the museum's request," adding, "This is the right decision and timely."

The equestrian statue of former President Roosevelt has stood in front of the museum since 1940. The statue features President Roosevelt on horseback, accompanied by an African and a Native American standing beside him.

The statue has become a target amid protests sparked by the death of George Floyd, who died due to the brutal actions of white police officers.

In response, the American Museum of Natural History requested its removal. Ellen V. Futter, president of the museum, said, "The museum community was deeply moved by the racial justice movement that emerged after the George Floyd incident," and added, "America is paying attention to the fact that statues of historical figures are powerful symbols of systemic racial discrimination."

However, President Futter clarified that while she opposes the Roosevelt statue, she does not oppose former President Roosevelt himself.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.