Ralph Bunche Park facts for kids
Ralph Bunche Park is a small public park in the Turtle Bay area of New York City. You can find it on First Avenue between 42nd and 43rd Streets. The park was named in 1979 to honor Ralph Bunche, who was the first African-American person to win the important Nobel Peace Prize.
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What is Ralph Bunche Park?
This park is special because it's right across First Avenue from the United Nations headquarters. The United Nations is a big international organization where countries work together for peace. Because of its location and its themes of peace, Ralph Bunche Park is a popular spot for people to gather and share their ideas about peace and global issues. In 1985, it was even named New York City's first "Peace Park." Even though it's less than a quarter of an acre (about 1,000 square meters), it holds a lot of meaning.
Who Was Ralph Bunche?
Ralph Bunche (born 1904, died 1971) was an American diplomat and civil rights leader. He worked for the United Nations and played a big part in solving conflicts and bringing peace to different parts of the world. In 1950, he won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to help end the Arab-Israeli War. The park is a tribute to his amazing work as a peacemaker.
Important Features of the Park
Ralph Bunche Park has several important parts that tell its story and its connection to peace.
The Isaiah Wall
In the park's northwest corner, there's a granite staircase that leads up to 43rd Street. This staircase was built in 1948, around the same time the United Nations headquarters was being constructed. On its wall, you'll see a famous quote from the Bible (Isaiah 2:4). It says: "They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." This powerful message is about turning weapons of war into tools for farming and living in peace. This wall is known as the Isaiah Wall. In 1981, the staircase itself was named the Sharansky Steps to honor Natan Sharansky, a famous activist from the Soviet Union.
Peace Form One Sculpture
Right in front of the Isaiah Wall, there's a tall, shiny sculpture called Peace Form One. It's made of stainless steel and stands 50 feet (about 15 meters) high. This sculpture was put up in 1980. The artist, Daniel LaRue Johnson, was a friend of Ralph Bunche. He created this sculpture to honor Bunche and his dedication to peace.
Bayard Rustin Plaque
Near the southern end of the park, there's a special plaque that was placed in 1990. This plaque remembers Bayard Rustin, another important civil rights leader. Rustin was a key organizer of the 1963 March on Washington, a major event in the American Civil Rights Movement.
