What do you think of Christopher Columbus? Was he a hero? Does he deserve the recognition that he receives? Should Columbus Day be celebrated on his behalf?

In our early years of school, most of us are taught about the “heroic” things that Columbus did. We are taught that he discovered the America and was one of the first inhabitants here. However, when the real actions of Columbus are revealed, one questions whether Columbus Day should be celebrated.

What many people don’t realize is when Columbus arrived, he was not the first one here. Native Americans were here and his arrival eventually caused their mass genocide.

Talk of Columbus Day being changed to Indigenous People’s Day began in the 1970s. Today, there are over 55 cities in the U.S. that have completely replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous People’s Day, a new commemoration that should spread to all cities and states.

Getting rid of Columbus Day should be done because it can also shed light on the lives and culture of indigenous people since it is barely taught in school. Indigenous People’s Day would be a much better alternative to Columbus Day that would allow us to appreciate the heritage of Native Americans.