San Antonio’s Christopher Columbus Italian Society is working closely with Councilman Roberto Treviño to rename city-owned Columbus Park and remove a statue of the famed explorer. Against the backdrop of widespread protests to end systemic racism against African Americans and other minorities, Treviño called the society’s support a “major step toward healing in our community.”

“The members of the Italian Society have always been very thoughtful members of our community who care a lot about the community, about what is going on in the world and about how other people might be feeling,” the councilman said. Paolo Cristadoro said the society is working hand in hand with Treviño to make those changes in the park, located on the western edge of downtown San Antonio.