Central Park Women’s Monument To Honor Sojourner Truth

After facing harsh criticism, a monument in Central Park will acknowledge the contributions of an African-American suffragette. The new design of the women’s suffrage movement monument will add a feature of Sojourner Truth, and is scheduled to be unveiled on August 26th, the NY Post has announced.

Previously, the monument had only commemorated Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony.

Initially, plans for the monument included a scroll of names and quotes from 22 leaders of the suffrage movement. Seven of them were African-American. However, the scroll was ultimately removed from the design, therefore excluding the contributions of African-American suffragettes. The city Public Design Commission is currently reviewing the new, more inclusive design.

Advertisement

According to Pam Elam, President of Monumental Women & The Statue Fund, her “goal has always been to honor the diverse women in history who fought for equality and justice.” By amending the monument, Elam aims to commemorate those “who dedicated their lives to the fight for Women’s Rights,” which is why Sojourner Truth must be a part of it.

The Woman Suffrage Movement Monument will be the first new monument in Central Park since 1965. Of the city parks system’s 850 monuments, only four currently commemorate the achievements of historic women.

The August 26th reveal of the new statue will coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment, which extended the right to vote to women nationwide.

Featured images c/o Randall Studio (public domain).

 Join the Upper West Side newsletter for more local updates: