New Push To Remove Controversial Mural From Medford Post Office

MEDFORD, MA – An online petition to remove a controversial mural from the Medford Post Office on Forest Street has nearly reached 1,000 signatures, the latest effort to get the image taken down. The mural, called "The Golden Triangle of Trade," shows in three panels the historic Medford industries of shipbuilding and rum distilling, as well as the slave labor that drove it.

Medford resident Ayo Adaramola, who is Nigerian-American, started the petition last fall. He told the Medford Transcript he interpreted the image as "white and black, one looking dignified and the other looking subservient as a slave." As of Wednesday, Adaramola's petition had 917 signatures.

But not everyone thinks the painting should be taken down. One member of the historical commission told the Transcript he believes the mural should spark a dialogue about the history of slavery in Medford. Others believe it should remain where it is with a plaque explaining the history or be moved somewhere "less distracting" where people can learn about its history.

Previous efforts to remove the painting have been unsuccessful, according to the Transcript. One campaign was told it does not fall on the city to make a decision because the mural is located in a federal building.

Read more from the Medford Transcript.

Image via Google Earth Screenshot