Australian town defends its ‘long-valued and admired’ statue of an enslaved African American child

Maitland city council has condemned an art exhibit challenging the 150-year-old figure, which the artist says ‘does not represent Black skin with any dignity’Warning: This article contains outdated and offensive languageFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA 150-year-old statue of an enslaved African American child in the middle of a regional Australian town has ignited a furore over race, censorship and what defines art.Originally designed as a hitching post for horses, the statue later became a Maitland landmark, with images of the boy reproduced on postcards, teaspoons and other memorabilia. Continue reading...