A controversial Confederate monument dedicated to Albert Pike has been restored in Washington DC, reigniting debates over the legacy of the Civil War and racial justice in the United States.
The statue, which had been toppled during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, was reinstated in Judiciary Square, drawing criticism from activists and historians who argue it glorifies a painful chapter in American history.
Why This Statue Sparks Outrage
Albert Pike, a Confederate general, was also a known figure in the Ku Klux Klan. Critics say the monument symbolises white supremacy rather than heritage. "It's a slap in the face to Black Americans," said one local protester.
Supporters Defend the Restoration
Advocates for the statue claim it represents Southern heritage and historical preservation. "Removing history doesn't erase it," argued a member of a heritage group involved in the restoration.
The debate reflects broader tensions in the US over how to reckon with its past, particularly regarding slavery and systemic racism.
