February is Black History Month and in honor of this month we have the opportunity to recall and celebrate the impact and positive contributions that African-Americans have made, not only on a national level but on an international level as well. Growing up in and living in the city of Atlanta, I have had the privilege of being surrounded by African-American history. Atlanta is known for being the black mecca of the south; it is one of the origins of the civil rights movement, home of Dr. Martin Luther King and home to civil rights leaders who you would find on the forefront and those that you would find behind the scenes. There are individuals who have made very significant contributions and we often celebrate these individuals through art. Driving through the city of Atlanta, not only will you see historic landmarks, houses and places like the Sweet Auburn Historic District, but you will find there are stories behind all these landmarks.
Isabel Gates Webster Park was named in honor of one of the first African-American women attorneys in Atlanta -- she won key court cases in the areas of housing and employment discrimination. There stands an 18-foot statue, designed by artist Robert Clements, dedicated to Isabel Gates Webster. There is also a sculpture titled "The Horn Section" designed by sculptor Zachary Coffin. It is a sculpture of suspended trumpets that pays tribute to Cleophas Redwood Johnson, the groundbreaking band director of Morris Brown College who led his band to numerous events that previously did not allow blacks.
by Zachary Coffin
These statues, along with other statues are part of the Percent For Art program. Whenever there is a building constructed in Atlanta, 50 percent is designated to ART. The funds not only help the city to grow aesthetically and culturally, but they also provide funding for visual artists in the city and aids in healing the economy. The Office of Cultural and Public Affairs develops and manages the Public Art Projects for the city of Atlanta. They are committed to creating community through public art and builds upon community support to conserve, preserve and make available public art to citizens and visitors in Atlanta.
Behind every piece of art work, there lies a story and some history. So the next time that you go driving around your city or the next time you decide to go sightseeing in a town that you are unfamiliar with, take an opportunity to observe, admire and reflect on the richness of your surroundings. Ask yourself the question, "What was the inspiration behind that building or that sculpture?" because you'll never know what was the muse of that artist or that architect.