My Take: By Michael Boriero

How does the saying go? Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it? I’ve heard this several times throughout my life, from former university professors, in movies and television shows, but what does it really mean?
In the wake of the protests against police brutality and systemic racism towards BIPOC worldwide, spurred on by the murder of George Floyd, people are now mobilizing to tear down statues and remove the names of historically controversial figures.
This movement, however, is not new. The black community has always fought to dismantle the public glorification of oppressive figures, many of which encouraged slavery and destroyed indigenous communities.
While it’s important to remember those who came before us, displaying statues of individuals who categorically opposed equality sends the wrong message. These names should be reserved for museums and history textbooks, not public parks and university buildings.