Illinois House Speaker Madigan Advocates for Removal of Douglas and Menard Statues from Capitol Grounds

Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is calling for removal of a portrait of Stephen Douglas from the Illinois House Chamber.  Madigan plans to offer a resolution in the Illinois House to remove the Douglas portrait and replace it with a portrait of President Barack Obama.

Madigan also called for the removal of the statues of Douglas and Pierre Menard from the Capitol grounds. 

According to the Illinois Freedom Project Website: "Menard was elected Illinois' first lieutenant-governor in 1818. He also was one of the largest slaveholders in the state and was listed as owning 18 slaves in 1830. Those slaves worked as farm laborers, oarsmen and domestic servants in Menard's French Creole-style home just across the Mississippi River from Kaskaskia." 

Full statement from Speaker Madigan:


"SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – House Speaker Michael J. Madigan released the following statement Thursday:

“While reading Sidney Blumenthal’s book ‘All the Powers of Earth’ concerning the pre-Civil War period a few months ago, I learned of Stephen Douglas’ disturbing past as a Mississippi slave owner and his abhorrent words toward people of color. I advised my staff to research and confirm the history to support removing the Douglas portrait from the House chamber. I became more resolute in my decision to remove the Douglas portrait as we witnessed the tragic killing of George Floyd and the bravery of so many who have stood up and spoken out against injustice that has never been fully addressed. 
“So today, I am taking the first important step of removing this unnecessary reminder of our country’s painful past. When the Illinois House returns in the fall, I will offer a resolution to be voted on by the House to authorize removal of the Douglas portrait and be replaced with a portrait of President Barack Obama, a more fitting representation of the modern-day Democratic Party. In the meantime, I am looking into ways the portrait can be covered immediately.
“Memorializing people and a time that allowed slavery and fostered bigotry and oppression has no place in the Illinois House, where the work of all Illinoisans is conducted. We can only move forward in creating a more just world when these symbols of hate are removed from our everyday lives. 

“I am calling for the removal of the Douglas and Pierre Menard statues from the Capitol grounds, as well as moving the statue of Martin Luther King, Jr. to a location of more prominence and honor. I ask that the Office of the Architect move expeditiously on this matter to take a vote in the coming days to remove these statues. Further, I am asking the Office and its board to work with all Illinoisans to conduct a thorough review of all statues, portraits and symbols on the Capitol grounds to ensure any inappropriate fixtures are removed and all feel welcome. 

“Of course, removing these images does not erase our history, but it is one more step in acknowledging the suffering of so many and committing to creating a better Illinois for everyone.”"

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