Wm. LACY CLAY 2118 Rayburn Howse Office Bling Irom eo sing be 8 Gays ue ae : ab testa FINANCIAL SEY Congress of the United States 625 North oc, Suite 396 mikiog Member r ‘St. Louis, MO 63108, Dostisrie MONETARY POLICY Gouse of Representatives nnn oveKsiu AND Washington, DE 20515-2501 ee ‘GOVERNMENT REFORM ‘St Las, Mo 63156, suscout rt ow (ala) S800 Fax a tune 24,2015 ‘The Honorable Francis Slay City OF St. Louis, Office of the Mayor P.O. Box 23039 St. Louis, Missouri 63156 Dear Mayor Slay, I appreciate that in April of this year, you offered to facilitate a conversation on the continued presence of the Confederate Memorial in Forest Park. I am writing to make my voice heard and my opinions clear. Now is the time to replace the Confederate Memorial, as iconic as, it is controversial, from its perch in Forest Park. Some may disagree and reflect upon this memorial as a symbol of southern culture and Civil War reverence. But, symbols matter and should reflect who we are as a people today. Divisive, alienating, racially charged symbols do not accurately represent the goodness and fullness of the people of the city of St. Louis. It is unfortunate that the murder of nine people in Charleston at their Christian Bible study has accelerated and again brought this issue to the forefront. However, action must be taken to ensure that divisive symbols, such as the Confederate Memorial, do not have relevance in our city’s future, As similar discussions take place across the country, let us lead and influence how we are perceived by the world- as a force for good and in solidarity with those advocating racial healing, It is not only time for @ reappraisal of all public symbols that reflect upon the “peculiar institution” of slavery, but also time for removal. Symbols associated with this country’s racist, oppressive past should not be elevated or displayed in publie places. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to the removal of the Confederate Memorial from Forest Park. Sincerely, ‘Wm. Lacy Clay | { Member of Congress CC: Forest Park Forever