by Mitch Landrieu
March 19, 2019
240 pages
As our country agonizes over the death of George Floyd and struggles to find a way forward, I feel this book is especially appropriate. Cities around the country are facing protests and rethinking past practices. One of those is the public display of confederate monuments in southern cities such as my own Richmond, Virginia. The City of New Orleans confronted this issue in 2018, making the controversial and courageous decision to take down statues that had been part of the city’s landscape for over 100 years.
In the Shadow of Statues tells the story of Mitch Landrieu and his beloved City of New Orleans. The son of a former mayor, Landrieu served in the Louisiana State Legislature, as Lieutenant Governor, and finally as Mayor of New Orleans. The book examines his perspectives on race and racism from his early life through his political career- a career that brought him face to face with challenges like David Duke, Hurricane Katrina, gun violence, and finally, four confederate monuments.
Some takeaways you may discover:
· The importance of looking at outdated symbols and practices with new eyes.
· The value of learning from the perspectives of others.
· The need for patience, persistence, and committed partners.
· Ways to overcome relentless and unexpected obstacles.
· Strategies to lead through a divisive, yet necessary change.
In the Shadow of Statues is a story of unlearning and relearning, of listening to the pain of others and then listening your own heart. Most importantly, it is the story of doing the right thing, of acting even when others are urging you to wait. Landrieu decided to take the necessary steps to help heal his city. Mayor Landrieu not only jeopardized his political career, he also experienced betrayal by those he considered to be his friends. He believed it was worth it because he knew in his heart it was right.
The right thing to do is not always the popular thing to do. Leaders who choose this path must be prepared to go all in against the resistance they will face. Fortunately, allies can always be found when the cause is just. This book shows us that not only is change possible and necessary, it is achievable.
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