'Racist' black head taken down from Derbyshire pub sign 'to protect it'
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The sign in Ashbourne was taken down last night, but residents said it was only a temporary measure to protect it from vandalism.
The petition, signed by more than 41,000 people, demands the caricature of a black man's head above the Green Man pub sign is removed permanently.
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Hide AdDerbyshire Dales District Council said on Monday it would remove the sign with 'immediate effect' but locals have now taken it down themselves.
It follows an anti-racism demonstration in Bristol, which saw protesters topple a statue of slave trader Edward Colston and push it into the harbour.
The online petition says: “Anybody who lives in Ashbourne will be familiar with the imagery this petition refers to; a racist cartoonish depiction of a black man's head hanging over St John's Street.
“This kind of disgusting racist imagery has NO place in 2020 and should have been removed many many years ago.
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Hide Ad“It is harmful and instils a dangerously cavalier attitude towards this kind of caricature-style portrayal of black people that served to help keep them oppressed for hundreds of years.
“It is NOT an important part of Ashbourne's history and identity, it is a disgusting and shameful fixture that many of us are deeply opposed to.”
Ashbourne resident Shaun Redfern posted pictures of the head being removed.
He said: “Can’t take it down before we do. Proud to see Ashbourne has come together to keep our head safe.”