(Syracuse, NY March 12) In a statement, “Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation (NOON) and Women of Italian and Syracuse Heritage in CNY (WISH CNY) are deeply dismayed by Judge Neri’s decision to block the City of Syracuse from moving forward with plans to remove the Columbus Statue and reimagine the circle.”
“The City of Syracuse has engaged the community for several years in conversation about the future of what has been known as ‘Columbus Circle,” notes Jack Manno of Neighbors of NOON. “The outcome of that process was a decision to remove the Columbus statue and use that space to honor the diverse peoples who have built our city, including the original inhabitants, the people of the Onondaga Nation.”
“We’re confident this is a temporary setback,” says Donna Inglima, a founding member of WISH CNY. “Mayor Walsh’s decision to remove the statue is part of a national reckoning. The people of Syracuse, and other communities across the country no longer wish to use our public spaces to honor conquerors, enslavers and tyrants. Judge Neri’s decision will delay this process, but it won’t stop it.”
NOON, a project of the Syracuse Peace Council, is a grassroots organization of Central New Yorkers which promotes understanding of and respect for the Onondaga Nation, as well as the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and all indigenous peoples.
WISH CNY is a group of women in Central New York joined together in their shared commitment to historical truth-telling, community healing, education and outreach; sharing the joy of Italian heritage; and valuing the diversity of communities in the CNY area.
