July 9, 2020

By Marshanna C. Smith

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. has issued the following statement after elected leaders in the City of Jackson, Mississippi voted to remove its statue of Andrew Jackson:

“As a young child, my family moved from Mississippi to Kansas City. Every summer, my parents would send me back to spend time with my grandparents in Mississippi and help them pick the cotton they grew. While these summers were some of the happiest of my life, I also have memories from those summers that give me chills to this day.  

“As our country takes a new and serious look at issues related to racial equality, I am comforted by seeing my belief that equality is both necessary and possible is shared across the country. In particular, I was encouraged to see that elected leaders in the City of Jackson, Mississippi recently voted to remove the statue of our shared namesake Andrew Jackson from city hall grounds. I was most notably touched by the words of Jackson’s Mayor, Chokwe A. Lumumba, when he said he hoped the council’s action would help “divorce” the name of the city from “the legacy of a brutal owner of enslaved people who was instrumental in initiating the Trail of Tears against indigenous people.” The Mayor and Council’s actions are commendable and speak loudly in the fight against racism and discrimination. Because they were willing to take a stand, acceptance, fairness and justice will be attainable for all. It is my hope the elected officials of Jackson County will also stand together to take the same bold and courageous step forward for the betterment of our community.”