EJI Unveils Montgomery's 17-Acre Freedom Monument Park, opens March 27th

"Black Renaissance" by Rayvenn D'Clark, bronze, 2023 in Equal Justice Initiative's Freedom Monument Sculpture Park in Montgomery. Alabama.Photo byAP Photo | Vasha Hunt

The opening of the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park on March 27 has been announced by the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI). Spanning 17 acres, the park features a combination of historical relics, modern artwork, original studies, and personal accounts to create an authentic and culturally significant location that delves into the concept of slavery, the experiences of enslaved individuals, and the lasting impact of slavery in the United States.

The impact of enslavement on 10 million individuals of African descent has significantly influenced the United States' legal, cultural, social, and economic landscape. However, the history of this practice and the experiences of those who were enslaved have frequently been disregarded.

The primary goal of the Sculpture Park is to tackle the issue of inadequate education and to pay tribute to the countless individuals who suffered through the harshness of slavery and contributed towards a better future for the nation. The Freedom Monument Sculpture Park is a part of EJI's acclaimed Legacy Sites project, which includes the extended Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice.

According to Bryan Stevenson, the founder and executive director of the EJI, this location will hold significance for countless individuals seeking to confront the legacy of slavery and pay tribute to those who endured immense struggles but still managed to find love amidst their suffering. As many of us are descendants of this remarkable resilience and optimism, there is much to be gained from visiting this site, and we welcome everyone to do so.

The Sculpture Park at the Freedom Monument showcases numerous objects, buildings, and symbols of great historical importance. These include dwellings that are 170 years old from cotton plantations, restraints used to confine enslaved individuals, and various historical artifacts that depict the brutality of slavery. Additionally, there are replicas of crucial structures such as rail cars and holding pens, which serve to enhance our understanding of the enslavement experience. Visitors can even view and physically interact with bricks that were crafted by enslaved people 175 years ago. The site also shares powerful narratives of endurance, determination, optimism, and resistance against the dehumanizing effects of slavery.

The Sculpture Park provides a brief overview of Indigenous Peoples and also delves into the changes in Africa pre- and post-European colonization. By doing so, it offers a comprehensive understanding of the history of slavery and its impact, allowing for a more detailed and knowledgeable perspective.

The text delves into the transatlantic trading of African individuals and the domestic trading of enslaved individuals in the United States. It also examines the legislation surrounding slavery in America, the labor of those who were enslaved, and instances of escape, rebellion, and resistance against slavery. The themes of love, death, family, and faith among enslaved people are recognized in various parts of the park.

A sculpture named “We Am Very Cold” by Kwame Akoto-Bamfo. bronze, 2023 in Equal Justice Initiative’s Freedom Monument Sculpture ParkPhoto byAP Photo | Vasha Hunt

The Monument to Freedom, known as the National Monument, reaches a height of 43 feet and spans 155 feet, serving as the final destination in the Sculpture Park. Drawing from data collected in the 1870 Census, which marked the first opportunity for previously enslaved Black individuals to officially document their family names, the Monument proudly displays a comprehensive list of more than 122,000 surnames that were adopted by nearly five million Black people during that time period and have been passed down through generations to tens of millions of individuals today.

The Visitors Center at EJI offers an opportunity for individuals to expand their knowledge of the regions and states linked to the identities of previously enslaved individuals. Additionally, visitors can utilize the kiosks to further their genealogical investigations or track their family lineages.

At the Sculpture Park, the art collection stands out as a highly impactful collection of narratives on a global scale. This carefully selected collection showcases newly created pieces by renowned artists such as Charles Gaines, Alison Saar, and Kwame Akoto-Bamfo, as well as prominent sculptures by Simone Leigh, Wangechi Mutu, Rose B. Simpson, Theaster Gates, Kehinde Wiley, and Hank Willis Thomas.

The artwork and historical artifacts work together to showcase the harshness of slavery, while also highlighting the resilience, honor, and influence of those who were enslaved and their descendants.

The Sculpture Park, known as the Freedom Monument, can be found by the shores of the Alabama River. This area was once inhabited by Indigenous Peoples for many centuries prior to the arrival of Europeans in the 16th century. The park also recognizes the contribution of enslaved individuals who helped construct the rail lines along the river.

The state of Alabama's Black Belt is traversed by the Alabama River, which served as a major hub for trade during the 1800s. Along its banks, extensive plantations were constructed to facilitate the transportation of goods and produce to distant destinations. Originating near Montgomery, the river spans 318 miles through counties with high populations of enslaved individuals, making it one of the largest in the nation. Towards the mid-1800s, rail transportation became the primary method for moving and selling enslaved people, resulting in hundreds of Black individuals being brought to Montgomery daily. By 1860, the Alabama River area alone held nearly 400,000 enslaved Black people.

The Alabama River holds lasting significance in the fight for Civil Rights, as it passes beneath the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, where pivotal efforts were made to secure voting rights for African Americans.

Located in a prominent position, the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park offers visitors a meaningful environment to enhance their comprehension of slavery and its enduring impact. Through its incorporation of artwork and historical investigation, the park serves as a tribute to the enslaved individuals whose lives were affected by this institution.

The Mission of Equal Justice Initiative

Established in 1989 by acclaimed public interest lawyer and best-selling author of Just Mercy, Bryan Stevenson, the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) is dedicated to putting an end to mass incarceration and harsh sentencing practices in the United States. It also strives to address issues of racial and economic injustice and safeguard the fundamental human rights of the most vulnerable individuals in American society. EJI operates as a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, partnering with impoverished and marginalized communities and actively working towards shifting the conversation about race in America.

Learn More about Legacy Sites

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