The statue of controversial politician and publisher Thomas Watson is being moved from the front of the Georgia Capitol to a plaza across the street.
The statue’s removal came after an executive order from Governor Nathan Deal and is being cheered by many critics. Those who advocated for its removal say it was needed because Watson was a racist and his writings stirred up anti-Semitism ahead of the 1915 lynching of Jewish businessman Leo Frank. Frank was convicted of killing 13-year-old Mary Phagan, an employee of the Atlanta pencil factory he managed. WABE spoke with several historical experts to get their opinions.
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