As mayhem and destruction continue unabated, it is obvious that those involved are not aware or do not care that the very men whose statues they desecrate, were men of honor who believed that “black lives matter” long before now.

Ulysses Grant led the Union Army to victory over the Confederacy. A daring and gallant leader, his success in the Overland Campaign (1865) led to the surrender of Gen. Robert E. Lee’s army, thereby ending the Civil War. As President between 1869 and 1877, he worked to pass the 15^th Amendment, giving newly-freed African Americans the right to vote. Another of the Enforcement Acts enabled them to hold office, serve on juries, and receive protection under the law.

In addition, the indictment of 3,000 KKK members by Grant’s attorney general resulted in the dismantling of that organization for years. Moreover, his support for The Civil Rights Act of 1877 banned discrimination in public accommodations and public transportation, although state constitutions placed obstacles in its enforcement.

This was a man whose fairness and sense of justice led him to use his powers to improve the lot of African Americans. He demonstrated through his actions that black lives did indeed matter, then as now. What then is the purpose or motivation in razing his statue and others, such as Teddy Roosevelt, who is credited with similar admirable achievements.

It leads one to surmise that these protests are not really what they purport to be. Or could it be that the perpetrators are ignorant of history, the very history they are intent on destroying along with the likenesses of men who worked to advance their cause?

Donna DeLeo Bruno
Bristol