America’s history is intertwined closely with Philadelphia’s history – including all of the good things and bad things that go with it. The Underground Railroad’s footprint in Philadelphia is an example of a high point in low times, serving as a key stopping spot for those fleeing the horrors of slavery to the south. Robert Purvis, often called the President of the Underground Railroad, has been a focus of this very blog going back well over a decade due to his Spring Garden home, which helped approximately 9,000 people find their freedom. But today we turn our attention to another historical figure with an even more prominent name: Harriet Tubman.

The above aerial shows the NE corner of City Hall, along with a highlighted space angled towards the corner. That space, excitingly, will be home to a stunning new statue from artist Alvin Pettit titled A Higher Power: The Call of a Freedom Fighter. And thankfully, thanks to a presentation given to the Art Commission last week, we have some details about what will soon stand on this prominent corner. Rising approximately 11 feet on top of a 3-foot base, Tubman – in her oversized coat and gear from her time as a Union military leader – is seen marching forward over rubble, shackles, and the tatters of the Confederate flag. She’s seen looking pensive but firm, hands together in thought, rifle over her shoulder as she marches through the wind. Pettit mentioned how he wanted to show a strong, younger Tubman than usually depicted in other monuments across the country, and he most unquestionably succeeds.

To say this is striking would certainly be an understatement, and the Art Commission agreed wholeheartedly during their review of the project last week (starts at 48:45). This permanent statue will be the first statue of a Black, female historical figure in the City’s art collection, and the design was considered after public feedback and a narrowing of submissions to five – all after an initial approach was met with pushback and thankfully scrapped. This design rose to the top based on that feedback, and we couldn’t be more pleased. This looks absolutely breathtaking with its pose and movement, creating a gorgeous and important new monument at one of the City’s meeting grounds.

Even though this was a presentation for the conceptual design, the commission was so impressed that they agreed to approve this as a final design. This clears the path for work to get started, which is slated to take approximately 16 months to design and create the clay sculpture and have it molded and cast in bronze. There are some minor things to iron out (position due to subterranean infrastructure, final quotes for the base), but we are absolutely thrilled to know that City Hall will get such a powerful new addition. Excitingly, Pettit also suggested discussions and student trips to check out the process of creating this monument, continuing the discussion forward. The prominent position of this landmark will undoubtedly become a gathering spot for everyone interested in celebrating the incredible accomplishments of one of our greatest Americans.