Transformers of Georgetown

Washington, DC

In January 2021 Newton Howard, a research professor in brain science at Howard University, placed sculptures of two Transformers --Optimus Prime and Bumblebee -- outside his garage. They were built by a friend, and Newton later explained that he felt that the sculptures sent a message that humans and machines could coexist. His upscale Georgetown neighbors, however, were not interested in coexistence. One called Newton selfish, and said that the Autobots would lower property values and attract "random groups of people." Since Newton's garage is at the top of the Exorcist Staircase, one would think that random groups of people -- a.k.a. tourists -- had often visited the area. Perhaps a movie about demonic possession attracts a better class of pop culture nerd?

Newton was told that he would need a public space permit for his Transformers, which would have to be reviewed by the Old Georgetown Board, which did -- and then ordered their removal. Newton refused, so the Old Georgetown Board appealed to a group called the Public Space Commission, which again ordered the Transformers' removal. However, the statues are still there, so it would seem that either Newton is code-compliant, or that passions have cooled. Optimus Prime and Bumblebee are good guys; it isn't like Newton is doing something weird, like displaying a malevolent Decepticon.