History is very important. It shows the road that we, as a people, have traveled. It has not been easy. However, we have made advances.

I am black, grew up in Caribbean American communities in Southeastern Queens, N.Y., and attended Hampton University. But I do not agree with the removal of any of the statutes on Monument Avenue.

If we are not in support of these existing statutes, maybe we should erect some for the historical figures we love, respect and appreciate. Maybe we should move to change the names of parks and streets in our community.

As a Libertarian, I have learned that you cannot walk around angry when you do not get your way, and that sometimes you have to get to the table in order to exchange ideas and points of view with others. The problem is when one group wants to force another group to do it “their” way.

I am also disappointed that the Richmond Free Press is calling for the removal of the Confederate statutes. I think there are more important things that we need to be concerned with such as the proper education of our youths, a healthy lifestyle for our people and safe, crime-free communities.

We need to be concerned with making Richmond a better place to live, work and raise a family. Fighting does not make that happen. We need to come together as one unit to work on improving our way of life.

COREY “SAGE” FAUCONIER

Henrico County