New York poised to place Harriet Tubman in US Capitol

Yahoo! News - Mar 21st, 2025
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Governor Kathy Hochul of New York is leading an initiative to replace the statue of founding father Robert Livingston in the U.S. Capitol’s Statuary Hall with one of abolitionist Harriet Tubman. This effort is supported by both the state Senate and Assembly and marks the first change in New York's statues at the Capitol since the 1870s. Hochul's longstanding admiration for Tubman, inspired by a childhood fascination, has driven her to make several visits to Tubman's historic home and initiate other commemorative projects in the state.

Livingston, who served as New York's first chancellor and was involved in the Louisiana Purchase, has a controversial legacy due to his history as a slave owner. His statue, initially not a unanimous choice, is being reconsidered as part of broader efforts to reassess historical figures' representations in public spaces. This proposed change highlights ongoing discussions about how history is commemorated and the importance of recognizing figures like Tubman, who played a pivotal role in shaping American history, particularly in the context of civil rights and social justice.

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RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a largely accurate and timely account of Governor Kathy Hochul's efforts to replace Robert Livingston's statue with Harriet Tubman's in the U.S. Capitol. It effectively highlights the historical and cultural significance of the proposal, engaging with ongoing debates about representation and historical accountability. The article is well-written and accessible, with a clear narrative and engaging elements such as quotes and anecdotes.

However, the article could benefit from greater transparency in sourcing and a more balanced presentation of perspectives, particularly those that might oppose the statue replacement. Additionally, the inclusion of direct source citations would enhance the article's credibility and allow readers to verify the information independently.

Overall, the article is a strong contribution to the discussion of historical representation and commemoration, with the potential to influence public opinion and contribute to broader cultural debates. It successfully engages readers and addresses topics of significant public interest, though it could be improved by exploring the potential for controversy and providing a more diverse range of perspectives.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story is largely accurate, providing a well-documented account of Governor Kathy Hochul's efforts to place a statue of Harriet Tubman in the U.S. Capitol. The factual claims about Hochul's fascination with Tubman, her visits to Tubman's historic home, and the renaming of a state boat after Tubman are supported by credible sources. Additionally, the historical context regarding the statues in Statuary Hall and the removal of Confederate statues since 2003 are consistent with historical records.

However, some claims require further verification, such as the specifics of the legislative support from the state Senate and Assembly for Hochul's proposal, and the exact details of the proposed commission for selecting the Tubman statue. While the article provides a comprehensive overview, these elements need confirmation to ensure complete accuracy.

Overall, the article presents a truthful and precise account of the situation, with most claims being verifiable through existing records and news reports. The potential inaccuracies are minor and do not significantly detract from the overall accuracy of the story.

7
Balance

The article provides a balanced perspective on the initiative to replace Robert Livingston's statue with Harriet Tubman's. It presents both the historical significance of Livingston and the reasons for his controversial legacy, such as his ownership of slaves. This context helps readers understand why his statue is being considered for replacement.

However, the article primarily focuses on the positive aspects of the proposal and Hochul's admiration for Tubman. It includes supportive quotes from Senator Jamaal Bailey but lacks perspectives from those who might oppose the statue replacement or prefer to retain Livingston's statue. Including such viewpoints could have provided a more comprehensive view of the issue and any potential controversies surrounding it.

Overall, while the article does well in presenting the rationale behind the statue replacement, it could benefit from a more diverse range of perspectives to ensure a fully balanced narrative.

8
Clarity

The article is well-written and structured, with a clear narrative that guides readers through the key points of the story. It effectively explains the historical context of Statuary Hall and the significance of the proposed statue replacement, making it accessible to a general audience.

The language is straightforward and free of jargon, which aids in comprehension. The quotes from Governor Hochul and Senator Jamaal Bailey are well-integrated into the narrative, providing additional clarity and supporting the article's main points.

Overall, the article's clarity is a strong point, with a logical flow and coherent presentation of information that makes it easy for readers to follow and understand the story.

6
Source quality

The article relies on credible sources for its information, including historical records and recent news reports. It references Governor Hochul's actions and statements, as well as legislative processes, which are verifiable through public records and official announcements.

However, the article does not explicitly cite its sources or provide direct links to supporting documents or reports. This lack of direct attribution makes it challenging for readers to independently verify the claims made in the story. Including citations or links to primary sources would enhance the article's credibility and allow readers to assess the information's reliability themselves.

While the article is based on reliable information, the absence of explicit source attribution limits its source quality score.

5
Transparency

The article provides some context for the proposed statue replacement, discussing both Harriet Tubman's historical significance and Robert Livingston's controversial legacy. It mentions Hochul's personal interest in Tubman and her related initiatives, which adds transparency to her motivations.

However, the article lacks transparency in its sourcing and methodology. It does not disclose how the information was gathered or the specific sources consulted. Additionally, it does not address any potential conflicts of interest or biases in the reporting process.

Improving transparency by clearly stating the sources of information and acknowledging any potential biases or conflicts would enhance the article's credibility and allow readers to better understand the basis for its claims.

Sources

  1. https://www.fingerlakesdailynews.com/local/cayuga/hochul-plans-to-put-tubman-statue-in-us-capitols-natl-statuary-hall
  2. https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/news/2024/05/15/harriet-tubman-underground-railroad-new-york-corridor-proposed
  3. https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/21/new-york-harriet-tubman-capitol-00242816
  4. https://www.wxxinews.org/local-news/2024-04-22/a-proposed-underground-railroad-corridor-highlighting-harriet-tubmans-fight-for-freedom
  5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harriet_Tubman_Memorial_(New_York_City)