LACD Welcomes the Correction of the Al Qalam: Poets in the Park Monument Plaque in New York

The Lebanese American Commission for Democracy (LACD) welcomes the correction of the informational plaque accompanying the "Al Qalam: Poets in the Park" monument in New York City, reaffirming the Lebanese identity of writers Khalil Gibran, Mikhail Naimy, Ameen Rihani, and Elia Abu Madi, and restoring the historical and cultural accuracy associated with their legacy.

LACD considers this correction an important step toward preserving historical integrity and properly recognizing the significant role of Lebanese Mahjar writers in the Arab and international literary and intellectual landscape. This development also underscores the importance of cooperation among official institutions, Lebanese diaspora communities, and cultural organizations in safeguarding Lebanese identity and preserving Lebanon’s cultural memory across the world.

LACD commends the efforts that contributed to this correction and stresses that protecting Lebanon’s cultural heritage is not merely a symbolic matter, but an ongoing national responsibility that requires vigilance and cooperation to ensure that Lebanon’s history and cultural figures are represented accurately and without distortion or misrepresentation.

LACD renews its commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen Lebanon’s cultural and civilizational presence around the world, preserve the legacy of Lebanese figures who helped build bridges between Lebanon and the countries of the diaspora, and reinforce Lebanon’s image as a beacon of thought, culture, and creativity.