Wilmington Council Defeats Resolution Opposing Columbus Statue

City Council votes 6-3 to allow community effort to return Christopher Columbus statue to public land

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Wilmington City Council voted down a resolution that would have opposed the potential return of a Christopher Columbus statue to public land in the city's Little Italy neighborhood. The 6-3 vote came after debate over whether the controversial historical figure should be honored on taxpayer-funded public property, with supporters arguing it acknowledges Italian American heritage in Wilmington.

Why it matters

The vote highlights the ongoing debate over public monuments and how communities grapple with honoring historical figures whose legacies are complex and controversial. It also reflects tensions between different cultural groups in Wilmington over how the city's history should be represented in public spaces.

The details

The resolution was introduced by Council member Shané Darby, who said the request to return the statue was "out of touch" and could be offensive to other residents. However, Little Italy's council member Chris Johnson expressed support for the statue's return if that's what the community wants. The statue was removed in 2020 amid criticism of Columbus as a figure associated with mass death and slavery. Supporters of bringing the statue back say it acknowledges Italian American heritage, while opponents argue he should not be honored on public property, especially in a majority Black and brown city.

  • The Wilmington City Council voted on the resolution on February 19, 2026.
  • The Christopher Columbus statue was removed from public display in Wilmington in the summer of 2020.

The players

Shané Darby

A Wilmington City Council member who introduced the resolution opposing the return of the Christopher Columbus statue to public land.

Chris Johnson

The Wilmington City Council member representing the Little Italy neighborhood, who expressed support for the statue's return if that's what the community wants.

Mike Purzycki

The former mayor of Wilmington who oversaw the removal of the Christopher Columbus statue in 2020, saying "we can determine together how we should proceed as a City when it comes to public displays."

Al Greto

A community organizer rallying support for the return of the Christopher Columbus statue to public display in Wilmington.

Ernest 'Trippi' Congo

The Wilmington City Council President who supported the resolution against the statue's display on public property, arguing that controversial historical figures should not be "celebrated" in that way.

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What they’re saying

“He should not be honored on taxpaying dollars, especially in a majority Black and brown city.”

— Shané Darby, Wilmington City Council member (delawareonline.com)

“He was their first explorer, he was very problematic, but he means a lot to their community.”

— Chris Johnson, Wilmington City Council member (delawareonline.com)

“Six out of 13 ain't bad. We just want our statue back.”

— Al Greto, Community organizer (delawareonline.com)

“I just don't think that that's something that you celebrate on public property.”

— Ernest 'Trippi' Congo, Wilmington City Council President (delawareonline.com)

What’s next

The Columbus Monument Committee, the local organization that owns the statue, will discuss their next steps with the community before deciding whether to formally request the statue's return to public display.

The takeaway

The Wilmington City Council's vote reflects the ongoing national debate over public monuments and how communities balance honoring historical figures with acknowledging their complex and controversial legacies. The decision allows the Italian American community to continue advocating for the statue's return, but also signals concerns from other residents about publicly celebrating Columbus.