Following the chaos of Charlottesville, Virginia, and the fight over the removal of confederate monuments across the nation, an unrelated historical figure has also become a target: Christopher Columbus. While Columbus — who has an American holiday named after him — was an ambitious pioneer, he was also known for his violent tactics used to colonize and oppress Native Americans.

"When we look at history, we have to look at it thoroughly, and [Columbus] is a controversial figure," said Speaker of the New York City Council and native of Puerto Rico Melissa Mark-Viverito at a press conference on Aug. 21.