Mia Boykin
To celebrate Independence Day this year, TANTV did an editorial on the contributions of Black soldiers to the nation’s founding struggle. We were not the only ones. The Maryland State Art Council (MSAC) is hosting an open call to artists for a monument dedicated to Black Patriots who served in the Revolutionary War. This is a significant step toward recognizing the sacrifices of Black and African soldiers who fought for liberty. Artists must apply by August 9, 2024.
The budget for the project includes a $5,000 proposal fee for four semi-finalists and a $500,000 budget for the artwork. The allocation of funds shows the deep educational need that will be filled by this memorial. Those interested in participating in the memorial should consider attending the webinar that MSAC is hosting to learn more about the project and the best way to prepare applications. You can read the full packet of information for this project, here.
The initiative to establish a memorial artwork at the Maryland State House in Annapolis stems from a deep commitment to acknowledging the historical significance of Black Patriots in shaping America’s narrative. The monument aims to shed light on the stories of over 150 Maryland African Americans, both free and enslaved, who participated in the Revolutionary War alongside women and children, highlighting a chapter in Maryland’s Black history that has been omitted for too long.
The proposed site for the monument at the center of the state government is of great importance, emphasizing the pivotal role of Black soldiers in the fight for American independence. Steven X. Lee’s vision, inspired by ‘The Story of Mr. Thomas Carney – A Maryland Patriot of the American Revolutionary War,‘ underscores the need to honor the often-forgotten contributions of Maryland’s free Black population to the state and the nation.
In parallel to this initiative, TANTV argues that it is imperative to recall the unsung heroes of the Revolutionary War, such as Crispus Attucks, whose sacrifice at the Boston Massacre marked the beginning of a long and arduous journey toward liberty. Attucks, a sailor of mixed African and Indigenous heritage, is remembered as the first casualty of the American Revolution, symbolizing the courage and resilience of Black soldiers in the face of adversity.
The stories of Black soldiers like Salem Poor, who fought with distinction at the Battle of Bunker Hill and continued to serve throughout the war, exemplify the valor and dedication of Black Patriots who contributed to the fight for American independence. Despite facing systemic racism and limited recognition, these soldiers displayed unparalleled bravery and commitment to a cause that promised freedom and equality for all.
The Maryland Monument project invites artists and teams to participate in designing and creating a sculpture that will serve as a tribute to the legacy of Black Patriots. The monument seeks to expand public understanding of the individuals who played a crucial role in securing America’s freedom and independence, offering a platform for artists to interpret and represent this historical narrative through their personal artistic expressions.
As we honor the Black contributions to the Revolutionary War, the memorial at the Maryland State House will work to celebrate the memory of these often-forgotten patriots. The open call for artists represents a dedication to honoring them, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in memorials for a more inclusive education. Once MSAC picks its artists, the monument will stand as a representation of the contributions Black soldiers have made to the founding of our nation.
