Johnston unveils disputed Christopher Columbus statue

JOHNSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — The unveiling of the Christopher Columbus statue at its new home in Johnston drew mixed reactions on Monday morning.

People in favor take pride in the statue, saying Columbus is a symbolic figure of Italian heritage.

“Our heritage is still here. Most of the people that live here are Italians… the old Italians, they live here,” said Lucy DaLessio of Johnston.

“This is what they like, what they need. I am glad that is happening here,” she said. “I thank the mayor for stepping up and doing this. so I am glad we are all here to enjoy this and honor this.”

Those against the statue came with signs protesting its display in a public space, saying Columbus represents mass genocide of Native Americans.

The statue arrived in Johnston two weeks ago.

It originally stood in the Elmwood section of Providence. The statue was put in storage in 2020 after it was vandalized with red paint multiple times.

Former Providence Mayor Joseph Paolino gifted the statue to Johnston after he purchased it from the city for $50,000 in March.