Bust of Sojourner Truth (U.S. Capitol) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bust of Sojourner Truth |
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| Year | 2009 |
| Type | Bronze sculpture |
| Location | Washington, D.C., United States |
| 38°53′20″N 77°00′29″W / 38.889°N 77.008°W | |
| Owner | Architect of the Capitol |
The Bust of Sojourner Truth is a special bronze sculpture. It was created by the Canadian artist Artis Lane. You can find this artwork in Emancipation Hall at the United States Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, D.C.. This sculpture is very important because it was the first statue in the U.S. Capitol building to honor an African-American woman.
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What Does the Sojourner Truth Bust Look Like?
This sculpture is a bust, which means it shows the head and shoulders of Sojourner Truth. It is larger than life-size. She is shown wearing a cap and a shawl, much like how she looked in many of her famous photographs. Sojourner Truth has a confident and determined smile. The entire sculpture is made from bronze metal.
Why is the Sojourner Truth Sculpture Important?
This artwork holds a special place in history. It honors a brave woman who fought for freedom and equal rights.
The Unveiling Ceremony
The sculpture was officially shown to the public on April 28, 2009. This event took place in Emancipation Hall, inside the Capitol Visitor Center. It was a big moment because it was the first time a sculpture of an African-American woman was put on display in the Capitol building.
Many important people attended the unveiling. These included First Lady Michelle Obama, who is the President's wife. Also there was Nancy Pelosi, who was the Speaker of the House at the time. The Speaker of the House leads the U.S. House of Representatives. Hillary Clinton, who was the Secretary of State, also spoke. The Secretary of State is a top advisor to the President on foreign policy. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee was also present. She is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
How the Sculpture Came to Be
Representative Sheila Jackson Lee played a key role in making this sculpture happen. She introduced a bill in Congress. This bill, called House Congressional Resolution 86, asked for a statue of Sojourner Truth to be placed in the Capitol.
The National Congress of Black Women also helped a lot. They worked for many years to raise money. Their efforts helped pay for the creation of this important bust.
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See also
- Artworks commemorating African Americans in Washington, D.C.
- List of public art in Washington, D.C.
