Erin Thompson

Jamil Smith chats with Erin Thompson, America's first professor of art crime and author of "Smashing Statues." They dive into the controversial history of America's monuments, discussing why we honor figures with troubling legacies. Erin highlights the societal impacts of these statues and the debates surrounding their removal, linking them to contemporary issues like racial equity and national identity. The conversation also covers innovative ideas for transforming these symbols into community-centered art, encouraging a reevaluation of how we commemorate our past.