A Lake Charles attorney is pushing for the removal of a Confederate monument on the lawn of the Calcasieu Courthouse. Attorney Todd Clemons says when you are black and entering the courthouse, the monument sends a message that you don’t have equal rights.
“That’s what it was designed for and I think it still has a very chilling effect on some people and I think it’s beyond time for it to be removed,” said Clemons.
Judge Ron Ware has also been vocal that it is time for the monument to come down.
Clemons says his frustration has grown over the years after seeing confederate monuments come down in other areas, but he doesn’t see that same energy in Lake Charles.
“That’s why I chose to purchase a full page ad in the Sunday paper, they can no longer say well we didn’t know, it’s right in your face, if you choose to remain silent that’s on you,” said Clemons.
Clemons says he sees plenty of support for the movement and is confident the monument will come down soon.
“I really don’t expect much opposition, I think everybody realizes the time has come,” said Clemons. “We all have to realize how much the world has changed in the last four weeks.”
The Iberville Parish Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to remove the statue of a Confederate statue that sits outside the parish’s old courthouse building in Plaquemine.
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