Since 2022, the year of the third edition of this report, progress in the number of Confederate memorials removed or renamed has slowed, but it has not stopped. The work continues.
This fourth installment of SPLC’s Whose Heritage? report offers an evolving assessment of the
threats and harms that find continued life through Confederate symbols, “Lost Cause” narratives
and ideologies of white supremacy.
Illustration by Simón Prades.
In the Report
Director’s Note: Still Room for Truth
Part II: The Contemporary Landscape
Acknowledgments
The Southern Poverty Law Center would like to acknowledge the contributions of the organization’s Communications teams for their hard work on this report. The organization would also like to acknowledge the work of the Intelligence Project — specifically Rivka Maizlish, senior research analyst focusing on Whose Heritage?; Aaron Flanagan, deputy director of Prevention and Partnerships; Jon Tobin, senior content developer; and Rachel Carroll Rivas, interim director of the Intelligence Project, with support from Seth Levi, chief program strategy officer. We would also like to acknowledge Wudan Yan for her fact-checking expertise. The SPLC shares gratitude for colleagues who have contributed vital research and talents to past versions of this report. We also give thanks to the wider field of artists and academics, grassroots and community groups, volunteers and advocates, policymakers and others who dedicate their time and energies to addressing the harmful Confederate symbols across the United States.
Other Resources
Whose Heritage? (First Edition)
Whose Heritage? (Second Edition)
Whose Heritage? (Third Edition)
The Data — Sortable research spreadsheet for research and exploration
Make an Impact
If you’ve been inspired by the data and stories in the report, SPLC invites you to take action and challenge the Lost Cause ideology. Within and beyond the South, there are opportunities to make a lasting impact through education and engagement with elected officials and community leaders.
