Silent Stones

Statues...dead, immobile, statues. The debate is whether we should remove the statues of confederate soldiers and obelisks of known racists. These monuments intend to celebrate, honor, or remember the past. I don't need a reminder about the past, in part because the past involves slavery. I live in a society which won't let me move past race based identity. I have to identify myself as black on forms throughout my life, knowing it's both inaccurate information, and I'm giving up my ability to be perceived as I choose. The condition or placement of a monument means nothing to me, if the system which created these monuments exists. At UNC-Chapel Hill there is a statue of a confederate soldier on the campus. There are individuals and groups who want to see the statue removed, and  there are others who wish for the statue to remain...What is the true relevance of the conversation though? I work in east Durham roughly 15miles down the road. The students I teach have to negotiate their safety daily. This year alone, I had 1 student get shot, and another student and his family survived a drive-by. Meanwhile, individuals in business casual sitting in outdated furniture debate about statues. Statues...which don't divest funds from public education. Statues, which don't provide after school alternatives to create positive opportunities for children. Statues, which remove healthcare coverage from my students. Statues, which deport students back to their "home" country. These statues are silent, while our leaders are deaf to the cries of my students. It is a privilege to debate edifice placement when the conditions of the formerly oppressed remain steadfast.