The Freedom Monument Sculpture Park in Montgomery has been receiving national recognition as discussions surrounding diversity and inclusion initiatives continue to take place.
The sculpture park has garnered attention from prestigious publications such as Smithsonian Magazine, The New York Times, Travel + Leisure, and The Art Newspaper.
“As the saying goes, the truth has the power to liberate us,” expressed Bryan Stevenson, the founder and director of the Equal Justice Initiative, during an interview with CBS News.
“I truly believe that America holds the potential for freedom, equality, and justice. However, we cannot achieve this future if we are not willing to have open and honest conversations about our history.”
SB129 seeks to impose restrictions on government institutions, including state agencies, public schools, and colleges. Under this proposed legislation, these institutions would be prohibited from providing financial support to diversity, equity, and inclusion offices, as well as from sponsoring DEI programs or any initiatives that promote what is deemed as a “divisive concept.”
The EJI, a non-profit advocacy and public interest organization, offers numerous educational opportunities for individuals to delve into the history and enduring impact of slavery in America.
The park is scheduled to open this year as part of the Legacy Sites in Montgomery. It will join the Legacy Museum, which delves into the history of slavery and its repercussions, and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, a memorial dedicated to lynching victims. EJI members are excited about this new addition.
Located along the river where tens of thousands of enslaved people were trafficked, the 17-acre sculpture park serves as a tribute to the lives and memories of the 10 million Black people who were enslaved in America. It also stands as a celebration of their remarkable courage and resilience.
The park is set to showcase a range of engaging exhibits and specially commissioned artworks by talented artists of color. Among the featured artists are Alison Saar, Kwame Akoto-Bamfo, Wangechi Mutu, Rose B. Simpson, Theaster Gates, and Kehinde Wiley.
The centerpiece of the park is a towering National Monument to Freedom, standing at 43 feet tall and stretching 150 feet long. This impressive monument will proudly display the names of 122,000 former slaves that were documented during that era.
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