A STATUE OF BARBARA JOHNS WILL REPLACE ROBERT E. LEE IN THE US CAPITOL

It was announced earlier this week that civil rights leader Barbara Johns will replace Robert E. Lee in the U.S. Capitol’s statuary hall.

This is welcomed news for Virginians who want to move beyond honoring leaders of the confederacy.

In 1951, 16-year-old Johns led a student walkout at Robert Russa Moton High School in Farmville to protest the poor conditions of her all-Black school when compared to the all-white school nearby.

Johns actions helped to spark desegregation efforts in Virginia and the nation.

Governor Ralph Northam has proposed $500,000 for the statue of Johns. If approved by the General Assembly, the new sculpture will stand beside President George Washington — Virginia’s second U.S. Capitol statue.

Well deserved. #WESEEIT

photo credit Moton Museum