Migration Memorials - Great Migration

Monument to Great Migration

hty1016@unc.edu — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 17:09:57 +0000

Description:

Alison Saar's 1994 work, "Monument to the Great Northern Migration," honors the six million-odd African-Americans who traveled from the South to Chicago from 1910 to 1970.

LocationMem:

Chicago, Illinois

Institution:

City of Chicago

Official/Unofficial:

Official

Group Acknowledged:

Immigrants to the North

Historical Subject:

This bronze figure is a testament to the thousands of African Americans who migrated to Chicago in the early 20th century in search of greater freedom and opportunity. The traveler’s hand is raised in salutation to his new home. In his other hand he carries a worn suitcase symbolic of his journey, dreams and talents. The bollards surrounding the monument are also suitcases that are textured with a pattern derived from the tin ceilings of the era. The figure is oriented to the north, symbolizing the traveler’s destination.

Physical Aspects:

The sculpture depicts a man oriented and pointing northward, suitcase in hand, his entire outfit made of the worn soles of his shoes. It's situated at the historic entrance to Bronzeville, a neighborhood that boomed thanks to the Great Migration.

Date of Dedication:

1994

Place Location:

Files:

Themes:

immigrants

Great Migration

Monument to the Great Northern Migration

berylber@unc.edu — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 16:54:30 +0000

Description:

The Monument to the Great Northern Migration commemorates the exodus of African-Americans to Chicago to liberate themselves from the oppression of the Jim Crow South. Situated in Bronzeville, Chicago's counterpart of Harlem, this statue symbolizes the reconstitution of the black identity.

LocationMem:

Chicago, Illinois

Institution:

City of Chicago

Official/Unofficial:

Official

Group Acknowledged:

African-Americans

Historical Subject:

The Great Migration redefined the American cultural landscape. This black diaspora to the North expanded opportunities for African-Americans and granted them access to economic mobility.

Physical Aspects:

This bronze statue depicts an African-American traveler. His north-facing orientation represents the direction of this mass migration. With a suitcase in tote, the traveler—a symbol of the black souls—is coalescing his new identity with his past.

Date of Dedication:

1996

Place Location:

Files:

Themes:

Great Migration

Another Times Voice Remembers My Passions Humanity

maryae@unc.edu — Thu, 14 Feb 2019 02:24:51 +0000

Description:

The mural is on Donnelley Youth Center and was originally introduced along with plans for a sculpture garden. The original mural was painted by Mitchell Caton and Calvin Jones in 1979 and was restored by Bernard Williams in 1993.

LocationMem:

Chicago, Illinois

Institution:

Chicago Mural Group

Official/Unofficial:

Official

Group Acknowledged:

recently freed slaves

Historical Subject:

The Great Migration of African Americans from the South to the North (specifically Chicago).

Physical Aspects:

On the left there is a wall-high African mask and the face of a contemporary woman, that is meant to link the African past with the present community. On the right, the elderly women is meant to honor the strength of the black matriarchy. Original oil paint on masonry, restoration acrylic paint on masonry, 16 x 33 feet.

Date of Dedication:

1979; restored 1993

Place Location:

Files:

Themes: