Oriel College in Oxford to keep Rhodes statue and host exhibition on colonial legacy

Oriel College in Oxford has decided to keep its statue of Cecil Rhodes despite ongoing protests for its removal. Instead, the college will host an exhibition to address colonialism's legacy, featuring a new sculpture by a Zimbabwean artist. The exhibition will include a competition for artists from the Chitungwiza Arts Centre in Zimbabwe. The winning piece will symbolize the strength of ancestors and will be the centerpiece of the exhibition, set to open in September. This decision follows previous resistance to removing the statue, with the college opting for a "retain and explain" approach. The new exhibition aims to foster dialogue about Rhodes's controversial legacy and its impact on southern Africa.