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Congressman Cohen Commends State Capitol Commission for Vote Removing Bust of Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest

July 9, 2020

7-2 vote to transfer Ku Klux Klan Grand Wizard and slave trader’s image to Tennessee State Museum

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), who has long advocated removal of the bust of Ku Klux Klan (KKK) Grand Wizard, Confederate general and slave trader Nathan Bedford Forrest from the State Capitol, today commended the State Capitol Commission for its vote to petition the State Historical Commission for permission to remove the bust. The vote was 7 to 2.

Congressman Cohen has written both Governor Bill Lee and his predecessor, Bill Haslam, urging them to take action to remove the monument, which is particularly offensive to African Americans. Lee indicated Wednesday evening that he would recommend removal to the Commission and spoke in favor of removal at today's meeting. Congressman Cohen commended him for doing so.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

"It's been a long time coming, but it appears Tennessee's Capitol Commission understands the pain and offense that honoring a KKK Grand Wizard, Confederate general and slave trader gives to thoughtful Tennesseans, particularly African Americans. This debate has gone on too long, but change is coming and eventually we will rid our State Capitol of this shameful symbol of oppression.

"Tennessee is moving forward, and I enthusiastically support that move."

Congressman Cohen has also asked Governor Lee, as he asked Governor Haslam, to have the state park in Benton County now named for General Forrest renamed.