The Blank Slate Monument, a statue commemorating Civil Rights history, has arrived at the ArtsRevive Pocket Park and will be on display through late November.
”This monument which has traveled across the country will end its tour in the perfect place, Selma," said ArtsRevive Director Becky Youngblood. "We hope this monument will bring tourists who recognize Selma’s important role in American history.”
Created by Ghanaian artist Kwame Akoto-Bamfo the statue has a WI-FI enabled slate that allows visitors to post anonymous messages on social justice. It depicts a slave, a Black Union soldier, a mother and a baby to represent the evolution of the movement for civil rights.
“The Blank Slate is my contribution to healing for people of African descent. It is my voice note to the song of Freedom that has been sung for generations by my traumatized enslaved ancestors.. ancestors that I share with Black people in the USA," said Akoto-Bamfo.
"The monument transcends space and time because it allows us to stand with our ancestors as we vent on the same frustrating and traumatizing experiences that our ancestors faced. Perhaps as we heal, they our ancestors, will heal with us.”
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