Supporters, protesters clash over controversial Christopher Columbus statue in Johnston
JOHNSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — Hundreds gathered at Johnston Memorial Park as the controversial Christopher Columbus statue was unveiled in front of town leaders and the community.
The ceremony featured speakers including Johnston’s mayor Joe Polisena Jr. and former mayor of Providence Joseph Paolino.
Paolino purchased the statue and donated it to Johnston. It was held in storage after being vandalized several times.
“There are always going to be people who want to take our history away from us,” said Paolino. “We’re not going to let them do that.”
ABC 6 News saw two protestors with signs at the unveiling.
“Italian-American pride is my immigrant family,” said one protester. “It’s my family fighting in world wars. I am Italian-American and I don’t stand by Columbus.”
Johnston residents over the past two weeks have unanimously told ABC 6 they are in support of the statue in town.
The controversial statue and figure has been at the forefront of local and national debate.
Bella Noka, a tribal elder of the Narragansett Tribe, has spoken out several times against the idolization of Columbus.
“You have taken everything and anything I’ve ever loved,” said Noka. “You continue to take it. So. anyis a good day to die, but for my ancient ones, I got the assignment and I’m delivering.”
The town plans to monitor the statue for potential threats.
