Sculpture of Sojourner Truth coming to the Walkway Over the Hudson
Rendering of the Sojourner Truth sculpture by Yonkers artist Vinnie Bagwell to be installed at the Walkway Over the Hudson in Ulster County
Sojourner Truth, the Ulster County native born into slavery in 1797, and sold three times before ultimately escaping to freedom in 1826, will soon have a prominent place on the Walkway over the Hudson.
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage in New York State, the state has tapped Yonkers-based artist Vinnie Bagwell to create a sculpture of Truth, who became a noted abolitionist and women’s right advocate until her death in 1883.
The seven foot bronze sculpture will be located on the Ulster County-side of the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park.
Plans for the sculpture were first introduced by Governor Andrew Cuomo and Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul in November 2017 in anticipation of programs to commemorate the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage in 2020.
In addition to the Sojourner Truth sculpture, a statue of Rosalie Gardiner Jones will be built in Cold Spring Harbor State Park on Long Island. Known as “General Jones,” Rosalie was known for leading suffrage marches from New York City to Albany, and Washington, DC.
More info: www.ny.gov/suffrage.
“Sojourner Truth’s courage and determination helped blaze a trail for women and people of color across the country, and this monument will help future generations remember her legacy and inspire them to continue the fight toward a more just society.”