TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis has formally asked for the statue of Gen. Edmund Kirby Smith in the National Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol to be replaced by one of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune.
She will be the first African American person to have a state-commissioned statue in the hall. Statues of other African Americans in the hall, such as Frederick Douglass and Rosa Parks, were commissioned by Congress.
“Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune was an influential educator, leader and civil rights activist who became one of Florida’s and our nation’s most influential leaders," DeSantis said in the announcement. "Dr. McLeod Bethune’s statue will represent the best of who we are as Floridians to visitors from around the world in our nation’s Capitol. Her legacy endures and will continue to inspire future generations.”
The announcement coincides with the 144th anniversary of her birthday.
Smith was a Confederate soldier. Legislation to replace him with Bethune was passed in 2016.
Each state is permitted two statues in the hall. The other Florida representative is John Gorrie, a doctor and pioneer in refrigeration.
Bethune's statue is set to be completed and moved to the hall in 2020.
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