The Gift of Recognition

There are hundreds, perhaps thousands of statues throughout our country recognizing the work and achievements of men, but not many celebrating the historic contributions of women. That seems to be about to change. Here are four examples of such statues that  are in the process of being created to celebrate the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 2020.:

Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony.

The design of the only statue in Central Park honoring real women was revealed on July 18, 2018; the sculptor is Meredith Bergmann whose work includes statues of famous women in Boston, MA.

Shirley Chisholm

Shirley Chisholm was the first black woman elected to Congress in 1968, and served until 1983. She was also for the first woman, black or white to run for President on the Democratic national ticket. Her statue will be installed outside the entrance to Prospect Park in Brooklyn.

Sojourner Truth

The State of New York announced plans to erect a statue to honor Sojourner Truth, African American abolitionist who was born into slavery in the 18th century, escaped to freedom in 1826, and was a major advocate for women’s rights. Her statue will be erected on the Empire State Trail in Ulster County, part of a proposed 750-mile cross-state trail, near where Truth was born.

Rosalie Gardiner Jones

Rosalie Gardiner Jones was born in 1883 near Cold Spring Harbor, on Long Island. She was an active suffragist, and led an historic march to Albany in December 1912 to petition the governor to consider an amendment to the New York State Constitution granting New York women the right to vote. She also led another march to Washington DC in March, 1913. Her statue will be installed by New York State at the Cold Spring Harbor Library.

In this season of gift giving and celebration we are grateful for the recognition these women will finally be granted, and look forward to seeing such honors given to many more.

One Response

  1. Sheila FELBERBAUM July 4, 2019 at 9:20 am | | Reply

    When will stage of Rosalie Gardiner Jones be installed and where exactly will it be placed? Who is sculpting it? I am writing a play about her and would like to include accurate information.

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