The U.S. Capitol’s National Statuary Hall witnessed the unveiling of a remarkable statue honoring Daisy Gatson Bates, a prominent civil rights leader from Arkansas.
According to ABC News, two new statues are set to replace two older statues in National Statuary Hall. One of the new statues will depict Bates, while the other will represent the iconic singer and songwriter Johnny Cash. This change is part of the tradition where each state can display two statues in the hall.
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“The statue of [Bates] being revealed in the halls of Congress signifies a significant stride towards justice,” expressed Rep. Glenn Ivey, D-Md., in an interview with AFRO News. He further added, “I am truly privileged to be a part of this esteemed institution as we immortalize her remarkable legacy.”
Born in Huttig, Arkansas in 1914, her mother was allegedly murdered by three white men when she was just an infant. This tragic event ignited a fire within her and inspired her to dedicate her life to fighting for civil rights.
Bates, an influential leader, served as the head of the Arkansas NAACP chapter for a significant period. Notably, she played a pivotal role in guiding and supporting the courageous Little Rock Nine students, who bravely paved the way for integration at Central High School in the state capital back in 1957.
Bates and her husband L.C. Bates established the Arkansas Weekly newspaper, a publication dedicated to covering the civil rights movement and specifically catering to black readers.
Idaho sculptor Benjamin Victor was chosen to create Bates’ statue, which stands at a height of 7.5 feet and is crafted out of bronze, as reported by 40/29 News.
Bates is portrayed in the statue with a newspaper tucked under one arm, while holding a notebook and pen in the other hand. She is also shown wearing a NAACP pin and a rose.
Later this year, a majestic 8-foot-tall statue of Johnny Cash is set to be revealed. The legendary musician will be depicted with a guitar slung across his back, while holding a Bible in his hand.
Little Rock-based sculptor Kevin Kresse has been chosen to create the Cash statue.
