5 design options revealed for Harriet Tubman statue at BU downtown center: How to vote
Binghamton University's Harriet Tubman Center for Freedom and Equity is looking for the public's feedback on the final design of the Harriet Tubman statue that will be placed behind the university's downtown center.
The statue, along with a marker honoring Tubman, will be one of 12 markers in the Harriet Tubman Freedom Trail project, which will signify leaders in the Binghamton anti-slavery society, Underground Railroad stops and other anti-slavery sites throughout Binghamton and the development of programming for five local K-12 public schools.
"We have to see this as a moment of pride," SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. said at the unveiling of the statue designs inside the UDC Thursday. "But also a personal challenge for each of us. What will we do to stand up for democracy and justice?"
Local residents can cast their vote online for one of five statue designs by the following artists: Traer Price, Jerome B. Meadows, David Wilson, Stephen Hayes and Michael Gonzales, Zoe Dufour and Vinnie Bagwell.
Here are the five designs being considered:
Liberation in Motion
Artist: Traer Price
Description: The intent of Price's design "is to highlight the ways that Harriet's keen awareness of the natural world and her powerful spiritual life fueled the bravery, dedication and compassion we celebrate in her story."
Endicott church antiques up for auction: How to take part in its 100-year history
Harriet Tubman Freedom Trail project: Binghamton Freedom Trail honors Tubman, anti-slavery leaders
Spiedie Fest 2023: Who's performing, how much concert tickets will cost
Harriet Tubman - Providing An Opening To Freedom
Artist: Jerome B. Meadows
Description: Meadows' piece consists of a life size bronze statue of Tubman whose "left arm is reaching back towards one of two granite walls and she is pushing back against that wall." The walls represent "the systemic, structural, societal, abominable condition of enslavement."
Glory Over Everything
Artists: David Wilson, Stephen Hayes and Michael Gonzales
Description: Wilson, Hayes and Gonzales "wanted to provide multiple opportunities where the form that houses the sculpture would instill a sense of invitation, provide a place for reflection, contemplation and bring a sense of security and safety" with their design.
Leading the Way to Freedom
Artist: Zoe Dufour
Description: Standing at seven feet tall, Dufour says her design "faces towards Binghamton University, holding a lit lantern aloft in her right hand, looking out to the future as a leader and guide walking forward, inviting and inspiring the viewer to work towards a brighter future together."
Harriet Tubman, The Conductor
Artist: Vinnie Bagwell
Description: "A young Harriet Tubman beckons the viewer to come closer," Bagwell said of her design. "As the viewer walks around the conductor, Harriet's story unfolds."
To learn more about each artist and their designs, watch a video here.
How to cast your vote for Harriet Tubman statue design
The feedback will be going to the center's public art committee and art jury to help decide which statue will be constructed behind the UDC.
To take the statue design survey, visit binghamton.qualtrics.com
Follow Emily Barnes on Twitter @ByEmilyBarnes. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Harriet Tubman statue on Binghamton Riverwalk: Help choose the design
