African-American Monument (Proposed)

Photograph by Russ Bryant, Staff Photograph, Savannah Georgia Guardian

The following article appeared in the July 10-16, 1998 issue of the Savannah Georgia Guardian and is reprinted with permission.

African-American Monument Gets OK

by Amy Goodpaster Strebe

A monument recognizing the contributions made by African Americans in Savannah was given the green light June 30 when the Savannah-Chatham Historic Sites and Monuments Commission voted unanimously to place the proposed bronze and granite monument on River Street behind City Hall.

"The location and the design were approved at the meeting," said Lisa White, chair of the commission. "Most likely the fountain [on Rousakis Plaza] will be taken down to make room for the monument," she said.

The design of the monument will depict an African-American family of four embracing after emancipation while chains [representing slavery] lie at their feet. The height and size of the monument are still to be determined, as well as an idea to place plaques around the base of the monument commemorating African Americans. "The names are not limited to people of local significance," said White. There are also plans to include bronze insets of the Savannah skyline, a map of Africa, slave-era ships and shackled hands that would form an integral part of the design at the base of the monument.

The original idea for the tribute came from Dr. Abigail Jordan who was approached by a tourist on River Street in 1991. The visitor asked Jordan why there was no any history on slavery in Savannah and very little information on African Americans available to visitors. This encounter inspired her to take her idea of a monument to the city. The African-American Monument Association was set up in 1991 to organize the plans for the monument.

The Rev. Leonard Small is the spokesperson for the association, and has expressed his frustration about the length of time the city commission is taking to get the monument created. "This is a project that is worthy of being done before this time," he said. "More than 55 percent of Savannah's population are African Americans. We're trying to do everything that they're [the commission] asking us to do, but I feel this is blatant procrastination and bureaucratic tomfoolery." Small hopes to finish everything up with the commission July 13 when they plan to meet at 4 p.m. at the Metropolitan Planning Commission office at 110 E. State St. "There is no reason why we shouldn't be able to go before the city council by the end of next week," he said.

The monument was designed by Savannah College of Art and Design Professor of Foundation Dorothy Spradley. Spradley was assisted by one of her students, fourth-year SCAD architecture and architectural history student Dan Koster, who built the architectural model for the monument. "I built a scale model that included the east side of the Hyatt, River Street and the plaza. It also included bricks and the sidewalk to scale." According to Koster, he presented the model to Jordan and various members of the African-American Monument Association. "I think that Dorothy has done a splendid job and has come up with a very pleasing representation of the African-American family. The location is excellent because it is a major tourist area, and that will definitely say something about Savannah, having it featured so prominently," he said.

"There are 42 monuments in Savannah, and not one of them recognizes African Americans," said White. "I think it's important that these contributions be honored."

The present cost of the tribute to date is $350,000. Fund-raising efforts are currently underway to support the cost of the monument.

"Dr. Jordan's committee has done a lot of work and I commend them on their efforts and hope that plans will go forward on Monday," said White. According to White, the public is invited to attend the July 13 meeting and comment on the project.

(c) Carl Vinson Institute of Government, The University of Georgia

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