Call to Remove the Statue of Captain John O’Donnell

In a letter addressed to Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young on November 12, 2020, the Canton Anti-Racism Alliance – with the support of the Canton Community Association, residents, business owners, community leaders, and elected officials – calls for the immediate removal of the Captain John O’Donnell statue from O’Donnell Square Park. Here is the letter in full. 

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Neighbors, organizations, and businesses wishing to show support can:

• Sign the petition at http://chng.it/5xx4pMYwjX

• Email mayor@baltimorecity.gov. or call 410-396-4900

• Email Mayor-elect Scott at CouncilPresident@baltimorecity.gov

• Contact CCA President Mark Edelson at president@CantonCommunity.org 

The Canton Anti-Racism Alliance is made up of a thoughtful and diverse group of residents including local community members, historians, college professors, business owners, community organizers, and elected officials. The group was formed in July after the CCA issued a public request to residents asking for assistance in addressing the history of Canton as reflected on the CCA website and throughout the neighborhood (https://bit.ly/3pc72mh). This call to action has resulted in several months of conversations to evaluate the values of our community, the role that Captain O’Donnell plays in the history of Canton, and how we can and should affect change to create an anti-racist, welcoming, and diverse neighborhood.

The Canton Anti-Racism Alliance meets every month via Zoom and is open to all community members to join and participate. For questions or to join the Canton Anti-Racism Alliance, please email CCA President Mark Edelson at president@CantonCommunity.org. 

In addition, the District 46 Delegation submitted a letter to Mayor Young in support of the Canton Community Association and Canton Anti-Racism Alliance’s work calling for the removal of the statue of John O’Donnell. The 46th Legislative District’s Delegation to the Maryland General Assembly includes Senator Bill Ferguson, Delegate Brooke Lierman, Delegate Robbyn Lewis, and Delegate Luke Clippinger.