Racial Justice & Our National Monuments

Earlier this month, Creation Justice Ministries had the opportunity to bring faith leaders to Washington D.C. to speak with Congress about the importance of our national monuments as places where everyone can reflect on important parts of our shared American story. 

The two monuments that we focused on - Camp Nelson and Medgar Evers - were particularly relevant in highlighting the contributions that African Americans have had throughout history. Although both already have National Historic Landmark status, adding the protection of National Monument through legislation will ensure that these locations are preserved for all of posterity. For more information about the relevance of these monuments, please check out the fact sheet we left with these offices.

Throughout the day, the delegation had meaningful conversations with offices across the political spectrum about the importance of protecting these monuments, as well as touched on the specific importance of the legislation to ensure that national monument status cannot be removed at the whims of a president. At the forefront of many minds was the fate of Bears Ears National Monument, which recently saw a 60% reduction in size due to the existence of natural resources within this land.

Faith leaders discussed the importance of protecting all of our shared history, from Indigenous Peoples to African Americans, and likened the reduction in Bears Ears to how we might feel if part of the Washington National Cathedral was removed to serve private interests.  The message, in short, is that although these spaces may not look like what we expect places of worship to look like, we must respect and honor them as such. 

The delegation received largely favorable responses regarding the likely national monument status for Camp Nelson and Medgar Evers. Many offices indicated the importance of these monuments, and recognized the need to ensure that these stories can be shared with all Americans.

All in all, it was a great (albeit busy) day for our delegation. We are extremely thankful to Dr. Wayne A. Williams of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop Carroll Baltimore of Global United Fellowship and Creation Justice Ministries, and Rev. Dr. Don Gillett of Kentucky Council of Churches for taking the time to join us on Capitol Hill and share their valuable perspectives!