Visionary Leadership in the New South, Durham
This pedestrian-scale bronze sculpture is the second in a series of six monuments documenting Durham's “Black Wall Street." It pays homage to the individuals who helped build positive race relations in the Durham area. The sculpture features an oversized bronze coat and hat hanging on curved hooks.
Visionary Leadership in the New South
Black leaders John Merrick, J. A. Dodson, R.B. Fitzgerald, J.R. Hawkins, A.M. Moore, W.G. Pearson, J. E. Shepard, C.C. Spaulding, G.W. Stephens, and S.L. Warren created successful business, educational and cultural institutions in Durham despite challenging race relations.
1890-1915
Image of the plaque
The City of Durham
October 15, 2009
35.994960 , -78.899060
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"Coat and Hat: Visionary Leadership in the New South," Main Street, Carolina: Historic Parrish Street, (accessed April 20, 2012) Link
"Parrish Street Advocacy Group," City of Durham, (accessed April 20, 2012) Link
“Durham Unveils Parrish Street Sculptures,” City of Durham, (accessed April 20, 2012) Link
Yes
Bronze
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Funds granted with the assistance of Representative David E. Price.
$350,000
The Parrish Street Sculptures
This sculpture honors black leaders and visionaries who have worked towards bettering race relations in the area. The individuals honored in this sculpture are: John Merrick, J. A. Dodson, R.B. Fitzgerald, J.R. Hawkins, A.M. Moore, W.G. Pearson, J. E. Shepard, C.C. Spaulding, G.W. Stephens, and S.L. Warren. Their contributions to the community vary from the creation of new businesses, to building educational facilities.
The sculpture sits on historic Parrish Street, which is better known as “Black Wall Street." It is part of a series of six sculptures that each commemorates important pieces of Durham’s history.
This sculpture rests in downtown Durham. There are a few trees close to the monument.
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This monument, and the entire series of Parrish street sculptures, is part of a larger revitalization effort by the city of Durham.
With the help of Representative David E. Price, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development granted $350,000 to the City of Durham’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development for the Parrish Street Revitalization and Historic Commemoration Project.
The entire Parrish Street monuments series cost $350,000.