African-American Monument facts for kids
The monument in 2015
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 Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Location in the United States
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| Coordinates | 32°04′54″N 81°05′27″W / 32.081711°N 81.090884°W |
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| Location | River Street, Savannah, Georgia, United States |
| Designer | Dorothy Spradley |
| Material | Bronze Granite (pedestal) |
| Height | 11 feet (3.4 m) |
| Dedicated to | African Americans |
The African-American Monument is a special statue group in Savannah, Georgia, United States. It was officially opened in 2002. You can find it near River Street, right by the Savannah River. This monument honors African Americans in the city. It also helps people remember the important history of the transatlantic slave trade. The monument shows four statues of an African American family standing on a granite base.
Contents
Building the Monument: A Look at Its History
A Dream Comes True: How the Monument Was Built
The idea for this monument came from Abigail Jordan. She was an African American activist in Savannah. For many years, she worked hard to make sure this monument would be built. Before this monument, there were over 40 plaques and statues in Savannah. None of them honored African Americans.
In 1998, the city's Historic Site and Monument Commission approved the plan. They sent the idea to the city council for a final vote.
Choosing the Right Words: The Maya Angelou Quote
In January 2001, the city council agreed to build the monument. However, they needed more time to decide on a quote by Maya Angelou. This quote was meant to be on the monument's base. The first part of the quote described the terrible conditions on slave ships.
Some people thought this quote was too strong. This was especially true because the monument would be on the Savannah River promenade. This area is a very popular place for tourists. Abigail Jordan insisted the monument stay on the promenade. Some city council members wanted it placed at a church instead.
David Jones, an African American city council member, felt the description was "a little far out." He said history "can hurt." Savannah Mayor Floyd Adams Jr. also disagreed with the original quote.
In January 2002, Maya Angelou offered an addition to her quote. It said, "Today, we are standing up together, with faith and even some joy." The city council liked this new version. They all agreed to it in May of that year.
The Cost and Dedication
The monument cost $350,000 in total. The city paid $30,000 to get the site ready. The rest of the money came from donations. Dorothy Radford Spradley, an artist born in 1946, sculpted the monument. It was officially dedicated on July 27, 2002.
In July 2019, a plaque was added to the monument's base. This plaque tells the story of Abigail Jordan's efforts to create the monument.
What the Monument Looks Like
The monument stands about 11 feet (3.4 meters) tall. It features a bronze sculpture of an African American family. These four statues wear modern clothes. They stand on a granite base. At the feet of the statues, you can see broken chains. These chains symbolize freedom.
See also
