Justin Timberlake Calls for Removal of Confederate Monuments

Justin Timberlake is calling for the removal of confederate monuments.

The 39-year-old entertainer, and Tennessee native, took to his Instagram on Monday (July 6) is calling for the monuments to be taken down amid the nation-wide anti-racism protests.

PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Justin Timberlake

A lot of you know I’m from Tennessee…a state that happens to be the home of many many confederate monuments,” Justin wrote. “I’ve been listening closely to the ongoing debates about what to do with these statues — and I really want to take a minute to talk about this.”

“When we protest racism in America, people think we are protesting America itself. Why is that the reaction? Because America was built by men who believed in and benefitted [sic] from racism. Plain and simple.” Justin continued. “This is when you hear ‘But that’s all in the past’. So let’s be clear… those men who proudly owned and abused Black people are STILL celebrated all over the country.”

Justin went on to say that removing the monuments will be a “symbol of respect” for Black people.
⠀
“There are roughly 1,848 confederate statues of in the US. More than half are in The South, and it’s not acceptable. No one should be protecting the legacies of confederate leaders and slave owners,” Justin wrote. “If we plan to move forward, these monuments must come down. But let’s remember: Removing these statues does not erase our country’s vile history of oppression — removing them is a symbol of respect for Black people in America and it’s a step towards progress and actual equality for all.”
⠀
“This video is by @aclu_nationwide, which has been fighting hard to remove these statues across the country,” Justin wrote along with the video. “Their Legal Director #JeffreyRobinson has been speaking on this issue for years (you can find more in the link in my bio). Please follow them and learn more about the history of the monuments in your own states and counties.”