Fate of Stephen Foster statue remains uncertain

PITTSBURGH — For years, many people have thought the Stephen Foster statue in Oakland is racist.

The sculpture shows Foster, a Pittsburgh native and musical icon, sitting on a perch above a shoeless slave strumming a banjo.

Should it stay or should it go -- that's a question that's been brewing for some time.

The City of Pittsburgh Art Commission heard public comments about the statue's fate on Wednesday.

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One by one, people from all walks of life came before the commission and made their voices heard.

"This is not a portrait of old Ned," said one woman. "It is a portrait of how white people in the late 1890s felt was appropriate to depict an African-American musician."

The statue is owned by the city and sits on city property. Critics say it reinforces white supremacy while advocates believe it's part of the city's history.

"I look at it and I see history," said one man.

Pittsburgh's historical archivist say people have been calling for removal for 30 years. The discussion was brought to the forefront again after the white supremacy protests in Charlottesville, Va.

"As a pretty white council in a pretty much white room, we have to make sure we're choosing the right side of history," said another man.

Nearly a dozen people came forward in support of both sides with their arguments.

A decision is not expected Wednesday night. Rather, the art commission will make a final decision at its Oct. 25 meeting.

Cox Media Group