A new statue honoring the legacy of former Congressman William H. Gray III is set to be unveiled next year at Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station.
This week, residents from Philadelphia and surrounding areas, including the Pennsylvania suburbs, South Jersey, and Delaware, have the opportunity to provide their input on the five finalists selected to create the memorial, which is aimed at celebrating Gray’s contributions to public policy and civic engagement.
Gray, who passed away in 2013, was honored by President Barack Obama, who dedicated the station in his memory.
Starting Monday, the week-long initiative invites public feedback on the proposals, which has seen a positive response with around 40 individuals participating in the first hour alone.
The exhibition of finalists is located beyond the 30th Street Station’s ticket counters, making it accessible for commuters.
The five chosen artists—Hank Willis Thomas, Karyn Oliver, Paul Ramírez Jonas, Nina Cooke John, and Nekisha Durrett—were selected from an impressive pool of 119 submissions following an open call for proposals earlier this year.
Leading this initiative is the foundation that bears Congressman Gray’s name, which aims to ensure that his story and values endure.
“The foundation and its purpose was established to ensure that Congressman Gray’s story — his leadership in Congress, his leadership in the pulpit and beyond — is not only remembered for the enduring values that he stood for, but also to actively carry forward those values,” stated Licy Do Canto from the foundation.
Much of Gray’s legacy centers around his unwavering dedication to the community, which is echoed in the current efforts to gather public input on the memorial.
Engaging the community has been a priority, with multiple events planned throughout the week to facilitate discussion and gather feedback.
The memorial project has received significant financial backing from various supporters within the city, as stated by Rosalyn McPherson, president and CEO of the ROZ Group, who is assisting with donations and project guidance.
Now, the focus is on fostering even wider public participation in the decision-making process.
No feedback is considered too small; even votes shouted from train lines have been welcomed, showcasing the community’s investment in the memorialization.
Among the attendees was Cybele Moon, an artist from Germantown, who expressed her views on the proposals.
“They’re really interesting,” she remarked regarding the finalists. “I like that each one is very different from the other.”
Moon noted that her favorite was “Crystal Stair” by Nekisha Durrett, highlighting its deeper meaning beyond the physical structure of a monument.
The installation of Gray’s statue will not be the only development at the train station.
Interactive portals unveiling Gray’s life through his speeches and interviews will also be introduced.
“The whole train station is going to be activated as a memorial to the late congressman,” McPherson revealed.
The community engagement efforts extend beyond just 30th Street Station; exhibitions are scheduled at several locations throughout the city this week.
On Tuesday, the proposals will be displayed at the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Parkway Central location.
Wednesday’s event will take place in the Bonnell Building lobby at the Community College of Philadelphia, followed by a presentation at the African American Museum on Thursday.
Finally, the proposals will be featured at REC Philly on Friday.
Next Tuesday, final presentations by the artists will be delivered, with a decision on the approved proposal anticipated in the fall.
image source from：whyy
