CONFRONTING COLUMBUS
a story about the weaponization of urban space & racialization of the public sphere at Christopher Columbus Park on Boston's Waterfront
a thread
(its long sorry) 🖤
a story about the weaponization of urban space & racialization of the public sphere at Christopher Columbus Park on Boston's Waterfront
a thread
(its long sorry) 🖤
since the genocidal symbolism & violent representation of Columbus as uncivil public edifice r clearly not enough 2 convince public officials about permanent removal of Columbus statue in Boston & c they're deciding behind closed doors of 'historical meaning'. Facts first:
#1
The park was originally named Waterfront Park in 1976 after a nearly 30-year intensive process of planning the waterfront. It was not originally called Christopher Columbus (that expedited corrupt process is exposed further down)
The park was originally named Waterfront Park in 1976 after a nearly 30-year intensive process of planning the waterfront. It was not originally called Christopher Columbus (that expedited corrupt process is exposed further down)
#2
Original public intent & approved park design in 1976 , acc to Stuart Dawson, park planner/principal @SasakiDesign was to embrace unobstructed openness to water, express City's diverse mutliculturalism & playground for children from across city reflected in inaugural poster
Original public intent & approved park design in 1976 , acc to Stuart Dawson, park planner/principal @SasakiDesign was to embrace unobstructed openness to water, express City's diverse mutliculturalism & playground for children from across city reflected in inaugural poster
#3
After the extensive process of planning, Waterfront Park was originally designed and constructed between 1974-1976, dedicated to Frank S Christian who raised 200k (good backgrounder @universalhubhere on BRA, Park & Christian : universalhub.com/2020/nothing-i…). Notice plaque location:
After the extensive process of planning, Waterfront Park was originally designed and constructed between 1974-1976, dedicated to Frank S Christian who raised 200k (good backgrounder @universalhubhere on BRA, Park & Christian : universalhub.com/2020/nothing-i…). Notice plaque location:
#4
The dedication to Frank S Christian (1906-1970) was designed as surface level, at grade, quality stone plaque placed in a subtle part of the park offside from the junction of two main pathways, flush and flat with the surface of the ground. no obstruction to the water
The dedication to Frank S Christian (1906-1970) was designed as surface level, at grade, quality stone plaque placed in a subtle part of the park offside from the junction of two main pathways, flush and flat with the surface of the ground. no obstruction to the water
#5
More importantly, notice how main North-South East-West paths leading 2 water is kept purposely open as if in the spirit of democratic public space no one should occupy that center, thatz what public consent 2 design when drawings r made 4 public presentation then construction
More importantly, notice how main North-South East-West paths leading 2 water is kept purposely open as if in the spirit of democratic public space no one should occupy that center, thatz what public consent 2 design when drawings r made 4 public presentation then construction
#6
the unoccupied center of original 1976 Waterfront Park is very deliberate and intentional to what Hideo Sasaki intended and Stuart Dawson presented to the public, compared to its former industrialized past life
the unoccupied center of original 1976 Waterfront Park is very deliberate and intentional to what Hideo Sasaki intended and Stuart Dawson presented to the public, compared to its former industrialized past life
#7
Location of Frank S Christian plaque a space to tell the history of the land where park is located. Original design intention came after decades of industrialization and contamination. Past images are from Sasaki Archives.
Location of Frank S Christian plaque a space to tell the history of the land where park is located. Original design intention came after decades of industrialization and contamination. Past images are from Sasaki Archives.
#8
No vertical monuments were to obstruct views acc to original report from Sasaki who had experience across the country building open, public, accessible waterfronts not exclusive waterfronts for the elite. The trellis=immediate shade remedy before trees could grow up
No vertical monuments were to obstruct views acc to original report from Sasaki who had experience across the country building open, public, accessible waterfronts not exclusive waterfronts for the elite. The trellis=immediate shade remedy before trees could grow up
#9
it was about being a multicultural playground for the next generation of children, built of wood, not some ideological racialized manifesto of one segment of the community
it was about being a multicultural playground for the next generation of children, built of wood, not some ideological racialized manifesto of one segment of the community
#10
notice the intricate extent of the foundations of the park in 1976, they are the result of intensive deliberate planning, measuring, drawing, consulting, engineering...all recorded & verifiable part of public process that took over a year to build
notice the intricate extent of the foundations of the park in 1976, they are the result of intensive deliberate planning, measuring, drawing, consulting, engineering...all recorded & verifiable part of public process that took over a year to build
#11
you need a whole elaborate process of consul/approvals across agencies, departments, communities, and experts, to build a park,.... BUT for the Columbus statue in 1979, that process gets totally circumvented w/ inside man maneuvrer Fred Langone, more to come on him shortly...
you need a whole elaborate process of consul/approvals across agencies, departments, communities, and experts, to build a park,.... BUT for the Columbus statue in 1979, that process gets totally circumvented w/ inside man maneuvrer Fred Langone, more to come on him shortly...
#12
In spite of the near 30-yr process for rebuilding this portion of the waterfront incl Waterfront Park, so-called approval of renaming it to Christopher Columbus Park renaming takes less than 14 business days. No record of public presentation. Fred Langone leads the vote.
In spite of the near 30-yr process for rebuilding this portion of the waterfront incl Waterfront Park, so-called approval of renaming it to Christopher Columbus Park renaming takes less than 14 business days. No record of public presentation. Fred Langone leads the vote.
#13
Between April 25 and May 10, 1979, when the Mayor Kevin White reportedly approves the motion by Councillors, no other documentation is presented.
Between April 25 and May 10, 1979, when the Mayor Kevin White reportedly approves the motion by Councillors, no other documentation is presented.
#14
Between April 25, 1979 and May 10, 1979, if no process of open public consultation was had on such an important watefront are (it was created originally 4 Boston Bicentennial), City departments of Parks & Rec + Arts Comm ARE NOT CONSULTED on name or statue.
Between April 25, 1979 and May 10, 1979, if no process of open public consultation was had on such an important watefront are (it was created originally 4 Boston Bicentennial), City departments of Parks & Rec + Arts Comm ARE NOT CONSULTED on name or statue.
#15
After that 14-day period, 3 officials from Parks & Rec passes motion on name, on June 14, 1979 after the Mayor signs off. Typically the Mayor signs off after not before departmental approvals & public consultation
After that 14-day period, 3 officials from Parks & Rec passes motion on name, on June 14, 1979 after the Mayor signs off. Typically the Mayor signs off after not before departmental approvals & public consultation
#16
nothing about statue with PArks & Rec, so what about Arts Comm who approve statues? Nothing. NO RECORD of meetings or approvals cuz they were never consulted. We checked ourselves & spoke w/ former Arts Comm'r who opened an unofficial 'green file' on Columbus btwn 2004-11
nothing about statue with PArks & Rec, so what about Arts Comm who approve statues? Nothing. NO RECORD of meetings or approvals cuz they were never consulted. We checked ourselves & spoke w/ former Arts Comm'r who opened an unofficial 'green file' on Columbus btwn 2004-11
#17
that green file cracks open whole set of issues by then Boston Arts Comm about cost of maintenance, beheading, vandalism, graffiti...but more importantly it questions & disputes presence of Columbus statue whose public costs r mounting, just a fuckin' nightmare 2 restore
that green file cracks open whole set of issues by then Boston Arts Comm about cost of maintenance, beheading, vandalism, graffiti...but more importantly it questions & disputes presence of Columbus statue whose public costs r mounting, just a fuckin' nightmare 2 restore
#18
between 2004 and 2011 by that Boston Arts Commissioner, it was still not clear who owned the statue or how it got there. So here we go, finally the backstory on how the public process gets corrupted and why Mayor Kevin White approved Columbus Park renaming on May 10, 1979:
between 2004 and 2011 by that Boston Arts Commissioner, it was still not clear who owned the statue or how it got there. So here we go, finally the backstory on how the public process gets corrupted and why Mayor Kevin White approved Columbus Park renaming on May 10, 1979:
#19
prior to the renaming process in Spring 1979, there is a so-called group called the Friends of Christopher Columbus Committee that gets formed, the same name at the top of the granite plinth still is in the park at the moment. But, who is the Committee?
prior to the renaming process in Spring 1979, there is a so-called group called the Friends of Christopher Columbus Committee that gets formed, the same name at the top of the granite plinth still is in the park at the moment. But, who is the Committee?
#20
Turns out that the Friends of Christopher Columbus Committee (no legal/fiscal registration) whose name is engraved at the top of the granite base in Columbus Park, is a fuckin' committee of one person. Some of you know by now that person who formed FOCCC: Arthur Stivaletta
Turns out that the Friends of Christopher Columbus Committee (no legal/fiscal registration) whose name is engraved at the top of the granite base in Columbus Park, is a fuckin' committee of one person. Some of you know by now that person who formed FOCCC: Arthur Stivaletta
#21
for those who talk about civility, this is how Arthur Stivaletta was weaponizing 'his' Park and 'his' Committee by dig its heels in with his nationalism visibly racialized as anti-Brown anti-Muslim under the cover of being an anti-Communist patriot
for those who talk about civility, this is how Arthur Stivaletta was weaponizing 'his' Park and 'his' Committee by dig its heels in with his nationalism visibly racialized as anti-Brown anti-Muslim under the cover of being an anti-Communist patriot
#22
Stivaletta's hyper-patriotism was staunch, radical, extreme. Remember the *American Freedom Train* 1972/1975... yeah that Stivaletta dubious contractor with political nationalist underpinnings & delusional visions of grandeur with a 2mil$ propaganda train across US
Stivaletta's hyper-patriotism was staunch, radical, extreme. Remember the *American Freedom Train* 1972/1975... yeah that Stivaletta dubious contractor with political nationalist underpinnings & delusional visions of grandeur with a 2mil$ propaganda train across US
#23
important to know that Stivaletta was primed by 1979 to weaponize the space of the park towards political ends, look at what the 1975-76 Freedom Train was about nation building myths, origin theories, its whiteness
important to know that Stivaletta was primed by 1979 to weaponize the space of the park towards political ends, look at what the 1975-76 Freedom Train was about nation building myths, origin theories, its whiteness
24 Not surprisingly 72-76 Freedom Train is entirely anti-Indigenous, and Wake Up America Campaigns entirely against anti-war protestors...sounds familiar? don't be surprised when u c bumper stickers...this is how space gets weaponized by racializing space thru signs & symbols so
#25 So Arthur Stivaletta, the Columbus Park brainchild, had 2 inside people as part of FOCCC to help expedite renaming of Park and pave the way fast unhindered install of Columbus statue through inside bureaucratic maneuvering and media propaganda:
26
Those two were City Councillor Fred Langone (wanted to be senator/mayor, long standing political family of senators/councillors/reps) & Phyllis Donnaruma (Editor-in-Chief, Post-Gazette, Italian-American Voice in America. Here goes the propaganda media machine, Oct 19, 1979 :
Those two were City Councillor Fred Langone (wanted to be senator/mayor, long standing political family of senators/councillors/reps) & Phyllis Donnaruma (Editor-in-Chief, Post-Gazette, Italian-American Voice in America. Here goes the propaganda media machine, Oct 19, 1979 :
27
In the Post-Gazette, (formerly Gazetta del Massachusetts), Arthur Stivaletta shows off the work of self-professed impressionist painter Diane Leonard commissioned (without fee acc to her) to make life size painting of Columbus to prop up the image of Columbus Oct 19 1979
In the Post-Gazette, (formerly Gazetta del Massachusetts), Arthur Stivaletta shows off the work of self-professed impressionist painter Diane Leonard commissioned (without fee acc to her) to make life size painting of Columbus to prop up the image of Columbus Oct 19 1979
28
Here’s same painting today at Dante Alighieri Society entrance in Cambridge. Painting set up this fake axis btwn image, history, art, park, politics. Acc to Diane Leonard, she used her then boyfriend as model 4 Columbus & his dad hoppy ship painter helped on Santa Maria ship
Here’s same painting today at Dante Alighieri Society entrance in Cambridge. Painting set up this fake axis btwn image, history, art, park, politics. Acc to Diane Leonard, she used her then boyfriend as model 4 Columbus & his dad hoppy ship painter helped on Santa Maria ship
29
and if that sham of a painting isnt bad enough, look at Inauguration Pamphlet from City Archives of renamed Columbus Park for Opening Day Sunday 21 Oct 1979, riddled with boastful error about statue, and photo NOT even the fuckin real statue they’re putting in the Park, look
and if that sham of a painting isnt bad enough, look at Inauguration Pamphlet from City Archives of renamed Columbus Park for Opening Day Sunday 21 Oct 1979, riddled with boastful error about statue, and photo NOT even the fuckin real statue they’re putting in the Park, look
30
After months of mapping every single Columbus statue in US, we tracked down actual image that Stivaletta used for the ‘79 promotional pamphlet, it was from one of oldest Cathedrals in Cuba where Columbus remains kept til late 1890s. Slightly different optic angle but match
After months of mapping every single Columbus statue in US, we tracked down actual image that Stivaletta used for the ‘79 promotional pamphlet, it was from one of oldest Cathedrals in Cuba where Columbus remains kept til late 1890s. Slightly different optic angle but match
31
In late 1978/early 1979, Stivaletta sends this cut out magazine image of this relatively famous good quality statue and gives it Gina Benedini, of Bonatti & Benedini to get the scultpure made for less than 10k acc to direct family source, fast and cheap, in Carrara Italy
In late 1978/early 1979, Stivaletta sends this cut out magazine image of this relatively famous good quality statue and gives it Gina Benedini, of Bonatti & Benedini to get the scultpure made for less than 10k acc to direct family source, fast and cheap, in Carrara Italy
32
CARRARA IT is the world epicenter of white marble an egregious display of where most Columbus & Christian marble statues are made, but itz also a lot like NOrtheast quarries where a lot of Italian mining fans immigrated 2 then southbound 2 Boston
CARRARA IT is the world epicenter of white marble an egregious display of where most Columbus & Christian marble statues are made, but itz also a lot like NOrtheast quarries where a lot of Italian mining fans immigrated 2 then southbound 2 Boston
33
Don’t b sidelined w/ Carrara heavily photographed sublime of marble quarries or historic proximity to Columbus so-called birthplace in Genoa, therez a lot of weird shit there and incredible levels of wealth displayed in the kinds of commissions today...robot-city.com/en/what-we-do/…
Don’t b sidelined w/ Carrara heavily photographed sublime of marble quarries or historic proximity to Columbus so-called birthplace in Genoa, therez a lot of weird shit there and incredible levels of wealth displayed in the kinds of commissions today...robot-city.com/en/what-we-do/…
34
but more importantly it is also a historical hotbed of immigrant labor and anarchists from south hiding in mountains from authorities where there’s a code of silence
but more importantly it is also a historical hotbed of immigrant labor and anarchists from south hiding in mountains from authorities where there’s a code of silence
35
btw herez monument to Columbus in claimed birthplace of Genoa IT done by Lorenzo Bartolini in 1846, a dangerous edifice and semiotic device that promotes COLUMBIANISM worldwide for the looming 400-year mark of so-called discovery c1492 like at Columbus Circle NY (1891)
btw herez monument to Columbus in claimed birthplace of Genoa IT done by Lorenzo Bartolini in 1846, a dangerous edifice and semiotic device that promotes COLUMBIANISM worldwide for the looming 400-year mark of so-called discovery c1492 like at Columbus Circle NY (1891)
36
For a comprehensive inventory of Columbus monuments worldwide & their genealogy, here's Van Der Krogt inventory, comprehensive roadmap 4 all other Columbus monuments that need take-down across Americas: statues.vanderkrogt.net/object.php?web…
For a comprehensive inventory of Columbus monuments worldwide & their genealogy, here's Van Der Krogt inventory, comprehensive roadmap 4 all other Columbus monuments that need take-down across Americas: statues.vanderkrogt.net/object.php?web…
37
COLUMBIANISM: widespread settler-colonial delusion but powerful fantasy & semiotically dangerous edification of Columbus & Discovery Myth of America, from 400yr mark (1892) to 500yr mark (1992) interconnected events leading 2 widespread statue construction, institution in US
COLUMBIANISM: widespread settler-colonial delusion but powerful fantasy & semiotically dangerous edification of Columbus & Discovery Myth of America, from 400yr mark (1892) to 500yr mark (1992) interconnected events leading 2 widespread statue construction, institution in US
38
Leading Indigenous & Black scholars have already and exhaustively written at large about the erasure and brutal violence entrenched in settler-colonialism's use of Discovery Myths embedded in Columbus edifices...so will leave this here as one of many npr.org/sections/codes…
Leading Indigenous & Black scholars have already and exhaustively written at large about the erasure and brutal violence entrenched in settler-colonialism's use of Discovery Myths embedded in Columbus edifices...so will leave this here as one of many npr.org/sections/codes…
39
Columbianism masks/erases brutal, dehumanizing violence agst Indigenous Peoples & African slaves during colonization that u cannot turn away from reports of Spanish friar Bartolomé de las Casas of late 16c, most likely it was worse than the images archive.org/details/region…
Columbianism masks/erases brutal, dehumanizing violence agst Indigenous Peoples & African slaves during colonization that u cannot turn away from reports of Spanish friar Bartolomé de las Casas of late 16c, most likely it was worse than the images archive.org/details/region…
40
So Columbus is as much as an error (in terms of historical if not criminal distortion of reality by American settlers & European descendants), Columbus is a trigger. Remember this as 1979 Boston story unfolds since that error has been identified for centuries now
So Columbus is as much as an error (in terms of historical if not criminal distortion of reality by American settlers & European descendants), Columbus is a trigger. Remember this as 1979 Boston story unfolds since that error has been identified for centuries now
41
6-12 months leading 2 Opening, Carrara Studio of Prof Nelli (sweatshop of lowvalue marble statues) dlvrs Columbus statue for Stivaletta, ships transoceanic via brokers Bonatti & Benedini to Norwood Monumental Works owned by Andrew Mazzola.
6-12 months leading 2 Opening, Carrara Studio of Prof Nelli (sweatshop of lowvalue marble statues) dlvrs Columbus statue for Stivaletta, ships transoceanic via brokers Bonatti & Benedini to Norwood Monumental Works owned by Andrew Mazzola.
42
Tho zero paper trail of statue's commission/shipment, there sure is a ton of errors in print about who did the statue. Pamphlet gets its wrong, Post-Gazette incorrectly states 11.02.79 a 'Bruno Bernardi' as sculptor.
Tho zero paper trail of statue's commission/shipment, there sure is a ton of errors in print about who did the statue. Pamphlet gets its wrong, Post-Gazette incorrectly states 11.02.79 a 'Bruno Bernardi' as sculptor.
43
that's the mispelling of the actual fuckin name of the actual broker Brenno Bonatti from Benedini & Bonatti who broker and ship the statue from Carrara to Boston, the so-called voice of Italian-American Post-Gazette they gets that fuckin wrong!!! how fuckin important is that
that's the mispelling of the actual fuckin name of the actual broker Brenno Bonatti from Benedini & Bonatti who broker and ship the statue from Carrara to Boston, the so-called voice of Italian-American Post-Gazette they gets that fuckin wrong!!! how fuckin important is that
44
In one single afternoon (pretty much exact amount of time it took to remove last Thursday): Mazzola & Sons of Norwood Monumental Works drop the statue into place in the newly renamed Columbus Park before Oct 21, 1979. Where they put statue is key critical in weaponizing park:
In one single afternoon (pretty much exact amount of time it took to remove last Thursday): Mazzola & Sons of Norwood Monumental Works drop the statue into place in the newly renamed Columbus Park before Oct 21, 1979. Where they put statue is key critical in weaponizing park:
45
now pay close attention, this is a little nerdy but important when there'z no paper trail cuz you have to rely on some interconnected construction/design/planning/logistical experience to discern, notice the ground, the scale, then the proportions
now pay close attention, this is a little nerdy but important when there'z no paper trail cuz you have to rely on some interconnected construction/design/planning/logistical experience to discern, notice the ground, the scale, then the proportions
46
look at how there is no hole dug, no stringlines, no foundations, no stakes, no surveyor, no inspector, just AJ Mazzola, his two masons, and of course, City Councillor Fred Langone. Stivaletta is not here prob cuz his priming the Knights of Columbus for the big event
look at how there is no hole dug, no stringlines, no foundations, no stakes, no surveyor, no inspector, just AJ Mazzola, his two masons, and of course, City Councillor Fred Langone. Stivaletta is not here prob cuz his priming the Knights of Columbus for the big event
47
if it looks like there just dropping a large oversized granite base that totally doesnt match a totally undersize statue, THAT'S BECAUSE IT IS. They literally just drove into the park one afternoon and dropped it in.
if it looks like there just dropping a large oversized granite base that totally doesnt match a totally undersize statue, THAT'S BECAUSE IT IS. They literally just drove into the park one afternoon and dropped it in.
48
like who da fuck comes up with idea of putting precious white italian marble outside. in a northern climate. by the sea. on top of a solid granite base from New England. it's like botched at this point. but whatever, clearly Stivaletta didnt think anybody would notice and
like who da fuck comes up with idea of putting precious white italian marble outside. in a northern climate. by the sea. on top of a solid granite base from New England. it's like botched at this point. but whatever, clearly Stivaletta didnt think anybody would notice and
49
you know what u call a statue/figure so tiny that it seems undersized for a monster honking base that, in this case, is a 4'x4'x4' solid cube of granite? think of it like a prize or award, what other object has a figure smaller than the base? not a statue, A FUCKIN TROPHY.
you know what u call a statue/figure so tiny that it seems undersized for a monster honking base that, in this case, is a 4'x4'x4' solid cube of granite? think of it like a prize or award, what other object has a figure smaller than the base? not a statue, A FUCKIN TROPHY.
50
And that is exactly what Mayor Kevin White was looking at when he was unveiling the shitty sculpture from nondescript sweatshop of Carrara. Mayor White wasn't looking at the sculptural beauty, he was looking at his sealed and guaranteed re-election because
And that is exactly what Mayor Kevin White was looking at when he was unveiling the shitty sculpture from nondescript sweatshop of Carrara. Mayor White wasn't looking at the sculptural beauty, he was looking at his sealed and guaranteed re-election because
51
Columbus park was a QUID PRO QUO. In return for approved & expedited renaming of Waterfront Park in on May 10, 1979, Mayor White got the Italian American vote guaranteed for reelection against Joe Timilty a week after the park inauguration of Oct 27, on November 6, 1979.
Columbus park was a QUID PRO QUO. In return for approved & expedited renaming of Waterfront Park in on May 10, 1979, Mayor White got the Italian American vote guaranteed for reelection against Joe Timilty a week after the park inauguration of Oct 27, on November 6, 1979.
52
Since there was no official approval/public process w/ statue, renaming of park by Mayor White was therefore codified as carte blanche to roll in with statue and place it, of all places, dead center at the crossing of two main paths, of course right, the CROSSing
Since there was no official approval/public process w/ statue, renaming of park by Mayor White was therefore codified as carte blanche to roll in with statue and place it, of all places, dead center at the crossing of two main paths, of course right, the CROSSing
53
religious symbolism and inscription of the mark of Columbus at the crossing of pathways is not only significant semiotically, its spatial and territorial: claiming of space that subliminally overtly weaponizes space as Christian domain,
religious symbolism and inscription of the mark of Columbus at the crossing of pathways is not only significant semiotically, its spatial and territorial: claiming of space that subliminally overtly weaponizes space as Christian domain,
54
w/ funding of course from one largest Christian brotherhoods in the world, look closely at the banner in front of podium, Ausonia Council No.1513: the KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS. There's the Grand Knight James Gannon beside Mayor Kevin White, notice the anchor/cross pendant
w/ funding of course from one largest Christian brotherhoods in the world, look closely at the banner in front of podium, Ausonia Council No.1513: the KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS. There's the Grand Knight James Gannon beside Mayor Kevin White, notice the anchor/cross pendant
55
At this point, Inauguration Day is a big smoke show to bring legitimacy by association btwn government (City), brotherhood (Knights of Columbus) & merchants . C how Stivaletta's Committee of One pulls of a big magic trick & giant illusion of consent, totally coerced & corrupt
At this point, Inauguration Day is a big smoke show to bring legitimacy by association btwn government (City), brotherhood (Knights of Columbus) & merchants . C how Stivaletta's Committee of One pulls of a big magic trick & giant illusion of consent, totally coerced & corrupt
56
Look again at the Pamphlet, juxtaposition of signs codes associations orgs people names it is not only a near complete illusion of public engagement, it masks will of 1 person (Stivaletta) in favor of...
Look again at the Pamphlet, juxtaposition of signs codes associations orgs people names it is not only a near complete illusion of public engagement, it masks will of 1 person (Stivaletta) in favor of...
57
in favor of another (Mayor) aided by seasoned technocrat (Langone) & savvy media (Donnaruma) all inscribed in stone as if untouchable, impervious, permanent, forever. the granite base is the projection of that individual forceful ideological Christian nationalist power
in favor of another (Mayor) aided by seasoned technocrat (Langone) & savvy media (Donnaruma) all inscribed in stone as if untouchable, impervious, permanent, forever. the granite base is the projection of that individual forceful ideological Christian nationalist power
58
But if KoC were a major funder of the Park, they were at the top of funders' list, hard to tell what exactly they paid for in absence of a public paper trail or documented receipts which doesn't exist so it couldn't have been much.
But if KoC were a major funder of the Park, they were at the top of funders' list, hard to tell what exactly they paid for in absence of a public paper trail or documented receipts which doesn't exist so it couldn't have been much.
59
The statue barely cost 10k, the painting by Leonard was not paid for, the framing by North End Gallery was free. no consulting fees, just a couple of tombstone layers to 2 pay. What did the Knights of Columbus want with the Columbus statue or the park, unless...
The statue barely cost 10k, the painting by Leonard was not paid for, the framing by North End Gallery was free. no consulting fees, just a couple of tombstone layers to 2 pay. What did the Knights of Columbus want with the Columbus statue or the park, unless...
60
Was the KoC interest symbolic, some kind of sign of inter-organizational show of strength or solidarity in plain sight? For sure tho, it was to legitimize their common existence by aggrandizing the illusion of Columbus no matter how mediocre the image was
Was the KoC interest symbolic, some kind of sign of inter-organizational show of strength or solidarity in plain sight? For sure tho, it was to legitimize their common existence by aggrandizing the illusion of Columbus no matter how mediocre the image was
61
& Knights of Columbus excel at that: image of legitimacy for singular individual: a fraternal service order made of Catholic men only. Why Columbus? KoC history, c. 1881 (~1892 400yr mark of discovery myth) emboldened by strong codified heraldry reveals kofc.org/en/who-we-are/…
& Knights of Columbus excel at that: image of legitimacy for singular individual: a fraternal service order made of Catholic men only. Why Columbus? KoC history, c. 1881 (~1892 400yr mark of discovery myth) emboldened by strong codified heraldry reveals kofc.org/en/who-we-are/…
62
KoC is nationalism and patriotism dressed in faith Catholicism: "To demonstrate their loyalty to their country as well as their faith, these men took Christopher Columbus—recognized as a Catholic and celebrated as the discoverer of America—as their patron....
KoC is nationalism and patriotism dressed in faith Catholicism: "To demonstrate their loyalty to their country as well as their faith, these men took Christopher Columbus—recognized as a Catholic and celebrated as the discoverer of America—as their patron....
63
Lending appearance of a brotherhood aligned w/ Vatican, right arm to the Pope, ties are purposely semiotic, extremely strategic. On Boston Common, here's Pope John Paul II opener legitimizing Columbus to a massive crowd, Oct 1 '79, three weeks before Columbus Park Opening
Lending appearance of a brotherhood aligned w/ Vatican, right arm to the Pope, ties are purposely semiotic, extremely strategic. On Boston Common, here's Pope John Paul II opener legitimizing Columbus to a massive crowd, Oct 1 '79, three weeks before Columbus Park Opening
64
"In the name of Christ I begin a pastoral journey that will take me 2 several of your cities. At the beginning of this year, I had the occasion to greet this continent and its people from a place where Christopher Columbus landed;..."
"In the name of Christ I begin a pastoral journey that will take me 2 several of your cities. At the beginning of this year, I had the occasion to greet this continent and its people from a place where Christopher Columbus landed;..."
65
"...today I stand at this gateway to the United States, and again I greet all of America."--Pope John Paul II, October 1, 1979
"...today I stand at this gateway to the United States, and again I greet all of America."--Pope John Paul II, October 1, 1979
66
The Holy See's 1979 Speech not only legitimates Columbianism (the Church speaks the undeniable truth right?), papal legitimacy of Columbus sets up an almost unbreakable axis btwn political, theological, ideological, spatial, practically territorial ecology of appearances
The Holy See's 1979 Speech not only legitimates Columbianism (the Church speaks the undeniable truth right?), papal legitimacy of Columbus sets up an almost unbreakable axis btwn political, theological, ideological, spatial, practically territorial ecology of appearances
67
cuz in background of public opening of renamed Christopher Columbus Park, lies a deeper, context of desegregation and busing that was taking place across Boston across 1970s. Did that affect the pace at which Waterfront Park was renamed? Were there other motivations?
cuz in background of public opening of renamed Christopher Columbus Park, lies a deeper, context of desegregation and busing that was taking place across Boston across 1970s. Did that affect the pace at which Waterfront Park was renamed? Were there other motivations?
68
Did the renaming of the Park & expedited planting of an illegitimate statue, take political & ideological alignments to another level, a racial one? Did it send a message of economic, political, ideological supremacy from a predominantly white Catholic community in North End?
Did the renaming of the Park & expedited planting of an illegitimate statue, take political & ideological alignments to another level, a racial one? Did it send a message of economic, political, ideological supremacy from a predominantly white Catholic community in North End?
69
To answer these questions that seem 2 span beyond purview of the Park, u need to know that Mayor Kevin White stood very close to losing mayoral re-election race with Joe Timilty who was tougher on rent control, perceived as closer to underrepresented constituents.
To answer these questions that seem 2 span beyond purview of the Park, u need to know that Mayor Kevin White stood very close to losing mayoral re-election race with Joe Timilty who was tougher on rent control, perceived as closer to underrepresented constituents.
70 You also need to know that incumbent Mayor White was aligning himself with Italian American community through the 'gift' of the renaming of the park in exchange for their vote. When the KoC knighted Mayor White (honorary Grand Marshall), they sealed public support of community
71
racial divisions (which drew lines between Irish & Italians both with claims on the East/North End) pale to compare to racial divisions fueled even further by the shooting of Darryl Williams on September 27, 1979.
racial divisions (which drew lines between Irish & Italians both with claims on the East/North End) pale to compare to racial divisions fueled even further by the shooting of Darryl Williams on September 27, 1979.
72
Very few recall this painful, enraging incident from 1979: Black football player Darryl Williams, then 15, was shot during a high school game in Charlestown sparking major outrage from his Roxbury community.
washingtonpost.com/archive/politi…
Very few recall this painful, enraging incident from 1979: Black football player Darryl Williams, then 15, was shot during a high school game in Charlestown sparking major outrage from his Roxbury community.
washingtonpost.com/archive/politi…
73
Only one of three teenagers arrested where charged, 17yo Stephen McGonagle. The white shooter only served 4 years in prison, released in 1983, Williams suffered an entirely different fate, left paralyzed from the neck down for life.
archive.boston.com/bostonglobe/ma…
Only one of three teenagers arrested where charged, 17yo Stephen McGonagle. The white shooter only served 4 years in prison, released in 1983, Williams suffered an entirely different fate, left paralyzed from the neck down for life.
archive.boston.com/bostonglobe/ma…
74
racial divisions in the mid 1970s, at the height of court-ordered desegregation & busing, marked Mayor White's term oft contradictory policies on equality & integration that often fueled increasing tension. A demonstration 4 Darryl Williams at 1979 Papal Visit clarifies:
racial divisions in the mid 1970s, at the height of court-ordered desegregation & busing, marked Mayor White's term oft contradictory policies on equality & integration that often fueled increasing tension. A demonstration 4 Darryl Williams at 1979 Papal Visit clarifies:
75
The WGBH program "Say Brother; Another Conversation with the Next Generation; Boston teenagers discuss the Darryl Williams shooting" led by Barbara Barrow-Murray is a good xsection on that period & impact of racial violence on Black youth & education.
openvault.wgbh.org/catalog/V_A34D…
The WGBH program "Say Brother; Another Conversation with the Next Generation; Boston teenagers discuss the Darryl Williams shooting" led by Barbara Barrow-Murray is a good xsection on that period & impact of racial violence on Black youth & education.
openvault.wgbh.org/catalog/V_A34D…
76
a few years later, in 1982, Mayor White became embroiled in a major scandal and investigation on corruption of his administration over the past decade, accusations of corruption in city government, finance, extortion, pension abuses
nytimes.com/1982/12/07/us/…
a few years later, in 1982, Mayor White became embroiled in a major scandal and investigation on corruption of his administration over the past decade, accusations of corruption in city government, finance, extortion, pension abuses
nytimes.com/1982/12/07/us/…
77
investigation was inconclusive, but affected his future as Mayor (ending in 1983), White's legacy is one of failed leadership 2 advocate 4 civil rights housing programs economic policies of underrepresented communities. As white Irish Catholic, divisions were visible in & out
investigation was inconclusive, but affected his future as Mayor (ending in 1983), White's legacy is one of failed leadership 2 advocate 4 civil rights housing programs economic policies of underrepresented communities. As white Irish Catholic, divisions were visible in & out
78
so weak was White & so high were needs that the Black Political Task Force was formed in 1979, an org advocating 4 rights/services 4 underrepresented communities, supporting candidates for political positions. Here, Sen Bill Owens endorses Mel King 4 Boston Mayor Aug 6, 1979
so weak was White & so high were needs that the Black Political Task Force was formed in 1979, an org advocating 4 rights/services 4 underrepresented communities, supporting candidates for political positions. Here, Sen Bill Owens endorses Mel King 4 Boston Mayor Aug 6, 1979
79
in the 1970s, racial violence as a result of white opposition to school desegregation and busing in Boston saw the stoning of school buses carrying Black Youth and widespread attacks against African Americans at their height 1974-76, so dangerous buses needed police escorts
in the 1970s, racial violence as a result of white opposition to school desegregation and busing in Boston saw the stoning of school buses carrying Black Youth and widespread attacks against African Americans at their height 1974-76, so dangerous buses needed police escorts
80
Black lawyer and civil rights advocate Ted Landsmark was violently attack by white youth from Charlestown protesting busing using the banner of nationalism and banner of patriotism, literally lunging at Ted's face with the US flag in horrific attack bostonlocaltv.org/catalog/V_YKLK…
Black lawyer and civil rights advocate Ted Landsmark was violently attack by white youth from Charlestown protesting busing using the banner of nationalism and banner of patriotism, literally lunging at Ted's face with the US flag in horrific attack bostonlocaltv.org/catalog/V_YKLK…
81
a cause strongly vocalized a decade earlier by the nationwide Black Panther Party who met South Boston community c1969 at Franklin Park renamed *Malcolm X Park*✊, advocating 4 services 2 support community self-determination thru self-policing self-education self-care
a cause strongly vocalized a decade earlier by the nationwide Black Panther Party who met South Boston community c1969 at Franklin Park renamed *Malcolm X Park*✊, advocating 4 services 2 support community self-determination thru self-policing self-education self-care
82
in late 1979 journalist Barbara Barrow-Murray speaks w/ Black Youth 2 discuss racial violence & impact on Black education at local WGBH "Say Brother; Another Conversation with the Next Generation; Boston teenagers discuss the Darryl Williams shooting" openvault.wgbh.org/catalog/V_A34D…
in late 1979 journalist Barbara Barrow-Murray speaks w/ Black Youth 2 discuss racial violence & impact on Black education at local WGBH "Say Brother; Another Conversation with the Next Generation; Boston teenagers discuss the Darryl Williams shooting" openvault.wgbh.org/catalog/V_A34D…
83
yet for all the noise that Mayor Kevin White was making, Senator Bill Owens came out clear and cogently with the undeniable reality on the ground: "Boston is not safe for People of Color"
bostonlocaltv.org/catalog/V_YKLK…
yet for all the noise that Mayor Kevin White was making, Senator Bill Owens came out clear and cogently with the undeniable reality on the ground: "Boston is not safe for People of Color"
bostonlocaltv.org/catalog/V_YKLK…
84 so, as Mayor White was pleasing crowds on Oct 27, 1979 & trying to gain political points w/ Catholic Italians counteracting suburban white flight w/ 'downtown diversity', what was Mayor really saying amidst social climate of violence & economic disposession he was neglecting?
85
Who was the Mayor really speaking to? What was he thinking, was he desperately hoping for reelection...while technocrat Fred Langone silently maneuvered & organized? They both knew that they could have their cake & eat it too. They knew how to operate the political machine
Who was the Mayor really speaking to? What was he thinking, was he desperately hoping for reelection...while technocrat Fred Langone silently maneuvered & organized? They both knew that they could have their cake & eat it too. They knew how to operate the political machine
86
Or did Mayor White nervously smile at suspected patterns of corruption, embezzlement of public funds, & contractor extortion, that would plague his political career a few years later in 1983 w/ a Federal investigation of the past decade? nytimes.com/1982/12/07/us/…
Or did Mayor White nervously smile at suspected patterns of corruption, embezzlement of public funds, & contractor extortion, that would plague his political career a few years later in 1983 w/ a Federal investigation of the past decade? nytimes.com/1982/12/07/us/…
87
did the Mayor not heed the signs of the original park planner Stuart Dawson at Sasaki who publicly opposed the renaming of the park and of the statue, whose career was based on designing relations with water, and cautioning against, word-for-word, the 'danger of donors'?
did the Mayor not heed the signs of the original park planner Stuart Dawson at Sasaki who publicly opposed the renaming of the park and of the statue, whose career was based on designing relations with water, and cautioning against, word-for-word, the 'danger of donors'?
88
did subsequent mayors, like Menimo, not understand the signs of opposition in the first decapitation in ~2004/5? was this a sign of the opposition that has been suppressed since Inauguration Day in 1979?
did subsequent mayors, like Menimo, not understand the signs of opposition in the first decapitation in ~2004/5? was this a sign of the opposition that has been suppressed since Inauguration Day in 1979?
89
After all this background, are the acts of so-called acts vandalism reported in the news, not challenges to the whitewashed portrayal of Columbus' heroic myth built on centuries romanticized fantasies? Historian Howard Zinn on Harvard Prof Sam Morison who weaponized history
After all this background, are the acts of so-called acts vandalism reported in the news, not challenges to the whitewashed portrayal of Columbus' heroic myth built on centuries romanticized fantasies? Historian Howard Zinn on Harvard Prof Sam Morison who weaponized history
90
at what point does settler-society of european descendants accept the truth, understanding the lies, and destroy of the discovery myth, like lighting Dalí's 1959 delusion of Columbus on fire?
at what point does settler-society of european descendants accept the truth, understanding the lies, and destroy of the discovery myth, like lighting Dalí's 1959 delusion of Columbus on fire?
91
at what point does weaponization of this park end? does it end when Columbian project of whites controlling of everything, subjugating everybody else? That was Columbus' mission, sanctioned by the Pope financed by Spanish Empire legitimated by Doctrines of Discovery
at what point does weaponization of this park end? does it end when Columbian project of whites controlling of everything, subjugating everybody else? That was Columbus' mission, sanctioned by the Pope financed by Spanish Empire legitimated by Doctrines of Discovery
92
that's what Columbus represents: sanctioned, violent, legitimated racial domination. The statue is a sign, symbol, signifier of that domination. It is a MONUMENT to WHITE SUPREMACY. Confrontation to that, in form of red paint, is a countersign of publicly-expressed opposition
that's what Columbus represents: sanctioned, violent, legitimated racial domination. The statue is a sign, symbol, signifier of that domination. It is a MONUMENT to WHITE SUPREMACY. Confrontation to that, in form of red paint, is a countersign of publicly-expressed opposition
93
the countless other decapitations are reminders of the speed at which that consolidated white supremacy seeks to uphold its 1979 image, its 1892 image, ,its 1492 image. it is an image of violence, a sign of oppression.
the countless other decapitations are reminders of the speed at which that consolidated white supremacy seeks to uphold its 1979 image, its 1892 image, ,its 1492 image. it is an image of violence, a sign of oppression.
94
How many more times does it need to get fixed & repaired with public funds on public lands from a public that never consented to it in the first place, and the only interests held on that statue and that name are ones that are dwindling, dying, or dead?
How many more times does it need to get fixed & repaired with public funds on public lands from a public that never consented to it in the first place, and the only interests held on that statue and that name are ones that are dwindling, dying, or dead?
95
How many more times does it need to be broken, stained, and beheaded? How many more times do these warnings and countersigns of oppositions need to be expressed?
How many more times does it need to be broken, stained, and beheaded? How many more times do these warnings and countersigns of oppositions need to be expressed?
96
if u want 2 indulge in delusional grandeur & romantic fantasy, u can do that in private, on private property. Run round it naked or in Columbian cosplay for all we fuckin care. Take example of Columbus Statue in Louisburg Square in bourgeois Beacon Hill masshist.org/collection-gui…
if u want 2 indulge in delusional grandeur & romantic fantasy, u can do that in private, on private property. Run round it naked or in Columbian cosplay for all we fuckin care. Take example of Columbus Statue in Louisburg Square in bourgeois Beacon Hill masshist.org/collection-gui…
97
or if your so-called supporters have some cash, place the Columbus statue beside its younger youth at the Boston MFA, they have a nice vintage version out of the same marble from Carrara. Now that would really impress Stivaletta. collections.mfa.org/objects/59507
or if your so-called supporters have some cash, place the Columbus statue beside its younger youth at the Boston MFA, they have a nice vintage version out of the same marble from Carrara. Now that would really impress Stivaletta. collections.mfa.org/objects/59507
98
the question then remains Boston, will this place be the mark where Columbianism ends, where adoration of a genocidal killer stops, where voices seeking spatial justice are heard? So that human work of social empowerment & economic justice can begin?
boston.cbslocal.com/2020/06/10/chr…
the question then remains Boston, will this place be the mark where Columbianism ends, where adoration of a genocidal killer stops, where voices seeking spatial justice are heard? So that human work of social empowerment & economic justice can begin?
boston.cbslocal.com/2020/06/10/chr…
99
absolutely never let this message and this fight against white supremacy get co-opted by special interest groups whose white fragility deem advocacy for Indigenous Peoples Day as thinly veiled hate speech. Nah doesnt work that way. There's a huge community @ItaliansforIPD
absolutely never let this message and this fight against white supremacy get co-opted by special interest groups whose white fragility deem advocacy for Indigenous Peoples Day as thinly veiled hate speech. Nah doesnt work that way. There's a huge community @ItaliansforIPD
100
where combined entangled struggles of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color r not only acknowledged-recognized, but acted upon to end cultural erasure, exploitation, elimination--visibly, socially, spatially. Tags in 2015 weren't vandalism, they were cues to consult, a map
where combined entangled struggles of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color r not only acknowledged-recognized, but acted upon to end cultural erasure, exploitation, elimination--visibly, socially, spatially. Tags in 2015 weren't vandalism, they were cues to consult, a map
101
the time to listen is categorically over. time for city officials to act upon what has already been stated for FUCKIN YEARS , and DECADES, and for some, even CENTURIES.
the time to listen is categorically over. time for city officials to act upon what has already been stated for FUCKIN YEARS , and DECADES, and for some, even CENTURIES.
102
Monica Cannon-Grant @ProRockThrower from Violence In Boston laid it out two weeks ago at Franklin Park.
wbur.org/news/2020/06/0…
Mahtowin Munro @mahtowin1 from UAINE laid it out this past week at Columbus Park.
boston.com/news/local-new…
Monica Cannon-Grant @ProRockThrower from Violence In Boston laid it out two weeks ago at Franklin Park.
wbur.org/news/2020/06/0…
Mahtowin Munro @mahtowin1 from UAINE laid it out this past week at Columbus Park.
boston.com/news/local-new…
103
UAINE who has called on current and past mayors to not only remove the statue and rename the park in Boston permanently but to acknowledge & honor Indigenous Peoples' Day in lieu of Columbus Day. This is momentous, earth moving, 528-year legacy indigenouspeoplesdayma.org
UAINE who has called on current and past mayors to not only remove the statue and rename the park in Boston permanently but to acknowledge & honor Indigenous Peoples' Day in lieu of Columbus Day. This is momentous, earth moving, 528-year legacy indigenouspeoplesdayma.org
104
It is a watershed moment to bring down a part of the structure of white supremacy, to honor lands of the Massachusett Peoples #LandBack, to construct relations anew to oppose patterns of erasure and systemic racism #Reparations, let alone promote the idea of humanity and care
It is a watershed moment to bring down a part of the structure of white supremacy, to honor lands of the Massachusett Peoples #LandBack, to construct relations anew to oppose patterns of erasure and systemic racism #Reparations, let alone promote the idea of humanity and care
105
if there ever was a time to open these lands and waters as oceanspace to First Nations, the Massachusett Peoples, if there was ever a time to lead change like at Malcolm X Park in 1969 (hint, hint). Boston, do the right thing. This is the moment. Don't fuckin waste it.
if there ever was a time to open these lands and waters as oceanspace to First Nations, the Massachusett Peoples, if there was ever a time to lead change like at Malcolm X Park in 1969 (hint, hint). Boston, do the right thing. This is the moment. Don't fuckin waste it.
ps. there'z another 234 monuments. let's go
perhaps most disappointing in this story, is that it’s not unique nor exceptional. every monument has a similar level of bureaucratic banality lending some kind of appearance of permanence or authority. it took someon’s audacity to shake that appearance to trigger change ✊💛🙏🌼
not uncoincidental that Austin Allen’s brilliant 1994 doc *Claiming Open Spaces* challenges Columbus claims & racialization of urban space of 5 parks across America in the first minute, literally
1/8 as @mahtowin1 reminded us, people in Boston today cannot underestimate or overlook the climate of fear in mid-1970s cast by the agression of whites violently protesting against Black students, Black officials/scholars, and Black parent.
2/8 The ‘white boycott’ to busing starting in Fall 1974-75 was aggressive resistance and backlash by White parents and students against integration and equality for Blacks and URM preserve white dominant classes, literally.
3/8 resistance of whites wasn’t 4 spatial justice, it was 4 maintaining dominant, segregated status quo. status quo in 70s Boston with white violence against Black students and officials was demonstration of white supremacy. Black neighborhoods and schools were welcoming peaceful
4/8 that was the racial climate that Mayor White and Fred Langone not only maintained white supremacy by their inaction and outright neglect of violence agst Black students and Black officials, they actually monumnetalized it w/ renaming of Waterfront Park to Columbus Park/Statue
5/8 They weaponized the park and racialized public space for white interests only, upholding white supremacy against spatial justice for Black Students in the city that included at the time, equality in education & public services. Watch 1974 @wgbh footage
bostonlocaltv.org/catalog/V_NK3Y…
bostonlocaltv.org/catalog/V_NK3Y…
6/8 Will leave this short clip here to illustrate climate of racial injustice that was essential triggered by white fears, met with white aggression, inflicting violence during 1970s busing and against desegregation, climate that still structures Columbus Park space and the city.
7/8 Remember this, Boston had to be FORCED by Federal Gov Court Order to desegregate. The white dominant structure had to be pushed to change & bring justice. It was about racially-motivated social injustices inflicted by whites, not the other way around.
8/8 @wgbh News Clip above captures the weight of white supremacy in 1970s: “Desegregation was a long time coming to Boston, a Federal Court Order finally bore through two decades of resistance. Boston was found willfully creating & perpetuating a segregated school system”.
