Syracuse, N.Y. (NCC News) — While those who work in federal offices enjoyed their day off on Columbus Day, Steven Holden, a Democratic candidate running for Congress, is making it a day for change. Alongside two organizations, the Women of Italian and Syracuse Heritage and Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation, Holden protested at the removal of the Columbus monument in downtown Syracuse.
Mayor Ben Walsh has been planning to relocate the monument to a private location and rename the circle to Heritage Park for over a year. Holden is appalled the statue still stands and is putting the removal of it on of the forefronts of his campaign.
“It needs to go, flat out,” Holden said, “Talking to Native Americans across the county they are shocked and appalled that a statue like this still exists.”
Holden is a U.S. Army Veteran and Syracuse University alumnus from Oklahoma. His main focus is running for the U.S. House of Representatives is to enact healthcare for all, combat climate change, and eliminate student debt.
As a man of Cherokee and Cheyenne descent, Holden views that statue as something that strips him of his Native American identity. He is petitioning the mayor to feature a different historical figure in its place, possibly of Native American Heritage, to honor their culture and land they once owned.
“I understand the great things that the Italians and Sicilians communities have done, not just in Central New York but across the state,” Holden said. “You want to be proud of your heritage. This doesn’t have to be the way to do it, by denigrating other people.”
Holden insisted that transferring the monument to a private location is not only part of his campaign, but a movement standing with groups that are underrepresented. He challenges the mayor to take down the statue next year.
Holden will run against Democratic candidate Francis Conole in the primary of the 24th Congressional District race in 2022.
