(AllHipHop News) The removal of the Confederate battle flag from the capital grounds in South Carolina has sparked discussions around the country about other monuments dedicated to the Confederacy. One of the most high-profile disputes is over a sculpture at Stone Mountain Park in Georgia.
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The Atlanta area site features three Confederate leaders President Jefferson Davis, General Robert E. Lee, and General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson engraved on the side of Stone Mountain. The NAACP has called for the sculpture to be removed. But another group is seeking to have two of Atlanta's most accomplished musical representatives added to the monadnock.
Mack Williams has launched a petition on MoveOn.org to have OutKast members Andre 3000 and Big Boi chiseled onto Stone Mountain. As of press time, the petition has collected over 4,000 signatures with a goal of 5,000.
"I believe it's important to recognize the history and heritage of all Georgians. However, the carving of Davis, Lee, and Jackson on the side of Stone Mountain only represents a small, regrettable time in the history of the Peach State," writes Williams. "It's high time we added a bit more of our history and culture to this monument."
The petition does not call for the removal of the Confederate sculpture. Williams would just like to see more carvings added to Stone Mountain.
"OutKast are two of the greatest Georgians in the history of our state. It's about time the Empire State of the South paid proper tribute to them, while also improving a great monument and tourist attraction," added Williams.
Big Boi has officially endorsed the idea via Twitter. The "Shutterbug" rapper included a thumbs up emoji in a tweet about the petition.
There is long racial history connected to Stone Mountain. Ku Klux Klan rallies were once held on the grounds. Dr. Martin Luther King even mentioned Stone Mountain in his iconic 1963 "I Have A Dream" speech.
The city of Stone Mountain is now around 75% African American. Childish Gambino, La La Anthony, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, Swizz Beatz, Lloyd, Cyhi the Prynce, and numerous professional athletes once resided or attended school in the Atlanta suburb.
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You can sign the petition below.
Filed under: News Tagged: Andre 3000, Big Boi, NAACP, Outkast, Stone Mountain
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