A GoFundMe campaign to raise money to take down the Confederate Monument in Forest Park has raised nearly $10,000 of its $25,000 goal.
St. Louis Treasurer Tishaura O. Jones, who launched the campaign on May 17, said she went to crowd-funding when the city “cited a lack of funds as a reason for not removing the monument.”
“I wanted to take the excuse off table that we don’t have enough funds,” Jones told The American. “I wanted to show this is something the public can support – not to display offensive monuments in public parks.”
At press time, 282 people had contributed to the fund. Most donations have been by individuals, ranging between $5 and $100. The fundraiser page had been shared over 4,400 times.
“This is a paean to chattel slavery, human torture and treason, a glorification of the worst that humanity has to offer,” one donor, who contributed $25, posted. “It has no place in public life.”
There were also many comments decrying the idea of removing the statue, claiming that it would “erase history,” before the comments section was blocked.
“The mayor is open to private donations, including the Treasurer’s GoFundMe,” said Koran Addo, a spokesperson for Mayor Lyda Krewson.
At a press conference on Tuesday, May 23, Krewson applauded Jones’ efforts to provide funding for the removal of the statue and said the city was nearing “a definitive plan” for removing the monument.
Later that afternoon, multiple groups of protesters assembled in front of the monument. Some held Black Lives Matter signs and banners reading “Monumental Misrepresentation: Take It Down STL.” Counter-protestors in support of keeping the monument held Confederate flags, and signs that said “This is a U.S. veteran monument!”
In fact, it is a monument to soldiers who waged war against the United States in a war of secession.
Police reported to the scene, but no arrests were made. Hours later, vandals spray-painted graphic language on the monument.
“I have received an offer to move the monument for the amount I am attempting to raise,” Jones stated. “As soon as it is approved, the funds will be released to the city to assist with relocation expenses. Presently, I am not at liberty to state who the offer is from, due to its pending approval.”
To contribute to the GoFundMe campaign, visit https://www.gofundme.com/forest-park-monument.
Sophie Hurwitz is a St. Louis American editorial intern from John Burroughs School.
