PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — There's a new statue outside of Philadelphia City Hall, as the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy celebrates the life of Harriet Tubman with the artwork.
Philadelphia vocalist Valerie Gay kicked off the event Tuesday with a fitting musical tribute, singing "Wade In The Water" and "Go Down Moses."
The statue of Tubman, an abolitionist, human rights advocate and hero, features her leading a child to freedom with the virtual wind of adversity at her back and the actual geographical shape of Philadelphia at her feet.
It exemplifies the bold, fearless, courageous life she led in freeing enslaved people in the face of much opposition.
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"She was such a heroic person if you look at the scope of her life," said Sculptor Wesley Wofford. "It was really just about trying to encapsulate who she was as a whole."
He said it took about 18 months to complete.
"There's a lot of symbolism built into the sculpture," Wofford added. "If you look at the hands, each hand has an attribute. There's determination, protection, trust, and fear."
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Wofford said there is a huge cultural diversity gap in the nation's collection of statues.
"I think that's starting to be corrected, and I think we'll see more of that," said Wofford.
"These statues need to represent all of us, not just one side of the story, so her addition is the beginning of that."
"Harriet Tubman, the Journey to Freedom," will remain in the city through March 31. Several events are scheduled in her honor across the city, featuring music, dance, theatrical performances, and discussions, all celebrating Black History Month, Women's History Month, and Tubman's 200th birthday.
