Statue of Mary McLeod Bethune (Jersey City) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Statue of Mary McLeod Bethune |
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| Artist | Alvin Petit |
| Year | 2021 |
| Type | Bronze |
| Dimensions | 9 ft (2.7 m) (height) |
| Location | Greenville Jersey City, New Jersey |
The statue of Mary McLeod Bethune in Jersey City, New Jersey is a special artwork. It is found in the Greenville area of the city. This statue honors a very important woman named Mary McLeod Bethune (1875 – 1955). She was a famous educator and a leader in the fight for civil rights.
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About Mary McLeod Bethune's Statue
The statue was officially revealed on November 22, 2021. It marked the completion of Bethune Park, which had opened a few months earlier in August 2021. The park is right across from the Bethune Center on Martin Luther King Drive.
The statue is made of bronze and stands about 9 feet (2.7 m) tall. It sits on a marble base that is about 2.5 feet (0.76 m) high. The artist created the statue to show Mary McLeod Bethune when she was in her late 20s or early 30s.
Who Was Mary McLeod Bethune?
Mary McLeod Bethune was an amazing American leader. She was born in 1875 and passed away in 1955. She worked hard as an educator, which means she helped people learn. She was also a stateswoman, meaning she was involved in government and public affairs. As an activist, she fought for fairness and equal rights for all people, especially African Americans. She was also an entrepreneur, which means she started and ran her own projects and organizations.
Designing the Statue
The artist who designed this statue is Alvin Petit. He shared his thoughts about the artwork. He said that the statue helps connect Jersey City to a bigger movement. This movement is about creating monuments that show how diverse and inclusive our country is. He also noted that this statue is the first in Jersey City to honor an African American woman.
What the Inscription Says
The words carved into the statue's base tell us more about Mary McLeod Bethune. They include her full name and the dates she lived. It also lists some of her important roles:
- EDUCATOR (someone who teaches)
- STATEWOMAN (someone involved in government)
- ACTIVIST (someone who works for change)
- ENTREPRENEUR (someone who starts new things)
The inscription also includes a powerful quote from her: "If we have the courage and tenacity of our forebears who stood firmly like a rock against the lash of slavery, we shall find a way to do for our day what they did for theirs."
This quote means that if we are as brave and determined as the people who came before us, we can solve today's challenges just like they solved theirs.
