Michael Coard, an attorney and founding member of the Avenging the Ancestors Coalition (ATAC), has initiated a new campaign to restore the slavery memorial at the President’s House site in Philadelphia. This announcement follows the removal of the memorial’s exhibits, a decision that has drawn significant criticism and concern among activists and community members.
Coard, who played a pivotal role in the establishment of the President’s House slavery memorial, addressed approximately 60 attendees at Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church on January 24, 2026. He emphasized that his organization is committed to maintaining the memorial’s location and its educational content, despite recent actions by the Trump administration to remove displays deemed inappropriate. “Our goal, first and foremost, is to remain at that site — intact,” Coard declared, highlighting the unique historical significance of the location where enslaved people lived while serving the nation’s first president.
The President’s House, located on Independence Mall, has become a focal point for discussions on America’s complex history regarding slavery. Activists have been advocating for the memorial for nearly 25 years, seeking to honor the lives of nine enslaved individuals who were part of the early presidential household. Coard’s latest remarks come in the wake of a federal directive aimed at eliminating content that some officials argue disparages the nation’s historical narrative. The directive, part of an executive order from the Trump administration, has raised alarms about potential historical erasure.
Coard indicated that ATAC is preparing a multi-faceted response to the removal of the memorial’s exhibits, which included displays titled “Life Under Slavery” and “The Dirty Business of Slavery.” While he hinted at a legal strategy, he did not provide further details. The removal has sparked an outpouring of grief and anger from the community, with many expressing their discontent through symbolic acts. Flowers and signs, including one that read “Slavery was real,” were left at the site as a testament to the ongoing struggle for historical recognition.
Community engagement remains strong, as various events encourage local artists and residents to advocate for historical awareness. “If that’s simply liking a social media post about resisting, do that. If it’s taking signs and other items down to the site, do that,” Coard urged, calling for a collective stand against attempts to sanitize American history. He underscored the importance of preserving the narratives of marginalized communities, stating, “Our history is our history.”
Bishop Richard Allen, a former slave and founder of Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church, is a significant figure in this narrative. The church has historically served as a center for activism within the Black community. The removal of the memorial’s content has been described as a painful loss, particularly for those who understand the importance of sharing the full story of slavery in America.
One community member, visibly affected by the changes, remarked, “There’s something about the full story being told, and for that piece of this story to just be ripped away, I think it even mobilizes … preserving, protecting, sharing our story and our contributions.” This sentiment echoes a broader concern about the implications of historical erasure on society’s understanding of its past.
The National Park Service has yet to issue a public comment regarding the memorial’s removal, and inquiries into the matter remain unanswered. As the debate continues, Coard and ATAC are poised to advocate for the restoration of the memorial, ensuring that the history of slavery is not forgotten but rather acknowledged and taught in its entirety.
As the nation grapples with its historical truths, the fight to restore the President’s House memorial signifies a larger struggle for recognition, justice, and the preservation of memory. Coard’s rallying cry—“Stand up, fight back, and resist”—serves not only as a call to action but also as a reminder of the enduring legacy of those who fought for their dignity and rights in America.
