WWNO skyline header graphic
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Local Newscast
Hear the latest from the WWNO/WRKF Newsroom.

Support local, independent journalism on WWNO with your Member Fest gift now! Click the donate button or Call 844-790-1094.

Celebration Of Confederate Monument Removal Confronted By Protesters

Laine Kaplan-Levenson
/
WWNO
A Second Line parader holds up a sign that reads 'I can admit my ancestor was wrong' in front of confederate flag bearing defenders of the Confederate Monuments at Lee Circle on Sunday, May 8th, 2017.

A second line parade took place on Sunday afternoon, May 8th in New Orleans to celebrate the removal of four of the city’s confederate monuments. The first confederate monument was removed in the early hours of April 24th. Three more are slated for removal. Those celebrating the removal of the monuments were met by protesters who oppose the removal process. Three people were arrested. 

The organizing group Take Em’ Down Nola held a parade to ‘bury white supremacy.’ Co-founder Malcolm Suber addressed the crowd.

“This is a day of celebration. We’re saying down with white supremacy. Say it with me!" The crowd cheered the slogan along with Suber.

The parade grew to at least 400 people by the time it arrived at the Robert E. Lee monument. There the group was met by dozens of protesters, guarding the Lee statue. Many wore bulletproof vests and waved Confederate flags. Paraders marched up directly to monument defenders and shouted ‘shame.’

Police officers stood in a line to physically divide the opponents, with the Louisiana State Police and National Guard also on watch. 

👋 Looks like you could use more news. Sign up for our newsletters.

* indicates required
New Orleans Public Radio News
New Orleans Public Radio Info