Rep. Donald McEachin (D-VA04): “Extremist” Youngkin Pick for Historic Resources Board “shows a blatant disregard for Virginia’s sordid history with racism”

From Rep. Donald McEachin (D-VA04):

McEachin Statement on Governor Youngkin’s Appointment to State Board of Historic Resources

Richmond, Va. – Today, Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) issued the following statement after Governor Glenn Youngkin appointed historian Ann Hunter McLean to the Virginia Board of Historic Resources:

“If there was any doubt that Governor Youngkin is an extremist, right-wing politician, here is another example of his inflammatory priorities in action. Since taking office, his appointments have been divisive and contradictory to the values we hold here in the Commonwealth. His latest pick in Ann Hunter McLean demonstrates a frightening lack of cultural and social wherewithal to effectively lead Virginians or steer our great Commonwealth forward.

“For years – and particularly in the wake of George Floyd – civil rights advocates, community leaders, and elected officials in Virginia fought to dismantle oppressive memorials and monuments that paid homage to the Confederacy. To appoint McLean, who has vocally defended Confederate statues and monuments since the late 1990’s, to serve on the Board of Historic Resources shows a blatant disregard for Virginia’s sordid history with racism and the work we have done as a state to rectify those long-standing harms.

“This appointment demonstrates a complete lack of understanding or empathy for the lived experiences of African Americans. Monuments to traitors have no place in our Commonwealth, and we will not allow Governor Youngkin or Ms. McLean to drag us backwards.”