(WASHINGTON D.C., 12/8/2021) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the removal of a statue of Confederate general, slave trader and early Ku Klux Klan (KKK) leader Nathan Bedford Forrest in Tennessee.
The statue, which stood on private property in Nashville, Tenn., was dismantled Tuesday. The removal comes one year after the property owner’s death and was approved by the executor of the will. The statue had caused controversy in the community for years.
SEE: Statue of Confederate Gen. Forrest removed in Tennessee
“We welcome the removal of all monuments to individuals who fought to defend slavery, systemic anti-Black racism and white supremacy,” said CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ismail Allison.
He noted that earlier this year, CAIR welcomed a vote by the Tennessee Historical Commission to remove of a bust Nathan Bedford Forrest from the State Capitol.
SEE: CAIR Welcomes Vote to Remove Bust of Confederate General, KKK Leader from Tennessee Capitol
Washington, D.C. based CAIR has repeatedly called for the removal of Confederate flags, statues and symbols from public spaces nationwide.
SEE: CAIR-Arizona Condemns Recognition of Confederate Groups, Exclusion of Native Americans at Pearl Harbor Memorial Event
The American Muslim community and CAIR stand in solidarity with all those challenging anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
SEE: CAIR Supports N. Virginia Walk (Dec. 10) to Honor WWI Veterans Buried in Historic African-American, Native American Cemeteries
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com