Statue of Christopher Columbus (Brooklyn)

The Statue of Christopher Columbus in Brooklyn was a bronze sculpture located in Columbus Park, Brooklyn, New York City. Erected in 1934, it depicted Christopher Columbus standing atop a column. The statue became a point of controversy in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, as Columbus's legacy came under increasing scrutiny for his role in the colonization of the Americas and the subsequent mistreatment of indigenous populations.

The statue was commissioned by Italian-American community groups and dedicated as a symbol of Italian-American heritage and contributions to the city. For many years, it served as a focal point for celebrations of Italian-American culture, particularly around Columbus Day.

However, as awareness of Columbus's impact on indigenous populations grew, the statue became a target of protests and calls for its removal. Critics argued that the statue represented the glorification of colonialism, slavery, and the oppression of native peoples, and that its presence in a public park was insensitive and harmful.

In 2020, amidst a wave of protests and calls for racial justice following the murder of George Floyd, the statue was removed by the city government. The decision to remove the statue was met with mixed reactions, with some praising it as a step towards acknowledging the injustices of the past, while others condemned it as an erasure of history and an affront to Italian-American heritage. The future of the space where the statue once stood and the possibility of a replacement artwork or memorial remain subjects of ongoing discussion.