Philadelphia Seeks Original Quote to Commemorate Harriet Tubman Statue
The city is now accepting submissions for an original quote that will be etched into the back of a 15-foot statue of Harriet Tubman outside City Hall. The monument, designed by Alvin Pettit, will feature two quotes from the abolitionist on its base, in addition to an original piece submitted by a Philadelphia-based writer.
The city is looking for a one- or two-sentence response to the question: "What does it mean to walk in Harriet Tubman's footsteps today?" The quote should reflect Tubman's impact on future generations and can be literal, narrative, or metaphorical. The submission period runs until March 1, and the city will select a shortlist of 10 quotes to be shared with the public for voting.
The selected quote will appear on the statue attributed to "A Philadelphia citizen," while the writer's name will be credited on the piece. Creative Philadelphia is seeking a writer who lives or works in Philly and can craft an original quote that inspires viewers to stand behind the statue and feel invited to follow in Tubman's footsteps.
Tubman's existing quotes, which include "And I prayed to God to make me strong and able to fight" and "For no man should take me alive; I should fight for my liberty as long as my strength lasted," will be etched on the base of the statue. The city has faced backlash in the past over its handling of artistic commissions, but officials are hoping that this open call will provide a more inclusive process.
Pettit's design was initially met with skepticism due to the lack of transparency in the commission process, but it was ultimately chosen from five finalists after an open call. The sculpture is expected to reflect Tubman's strength and leadership, as well as her faith, while also inviting viewers to contemplate what it means to walk in her footsteps today.
The city has not provided an update on when the statue is expected to be completed or installed, but officials are hoping that this new process will provide a more inclusive and transparent way of engaging with the community.
The city is now accepting submissions for an original quote that will be etched into the back of a 15-foot statue of Harriet Tubman outside City Hall. The monument, designed by Alvin Pettit, will feature two quotes from the abolitionist on its base, in addition to an original piece submitted by a Philadelphia-based writer.
The city is looking for a one- or two-sentence response to the question: "What does it mean to walk in Harriet Tubman's footsteps today?" The quote should reflect Tubman's impact on future generations and can be literal, narrative, or metaphorical. The submission period runs until March 1, and the city will select a shortlist of 10 quotes to be shared with the public for voting.
The selected quote will appear on the statue attributed to "A Philadelphia citizen," while the writer's name will be credited on the piece. Creative Philadelphia is seeking a writer who lives or works in Philly and can craft an original quote that inspires viewers to stand behind the statue and feel invited to follow in Tubman's footsteps.
Tubman's existing quotes, which include "And I prayed to God to make me strong and able to fight" and "For no man should take me alive; I should fight for my liberty as long as my strength lasted," will be etched on the base of the statue. The city has faced backlash in the past over its handling of artistic commissions, but officials are hoping that this open call will provide a more inclusive process.
Pettit's design was initially met with skepticism due to the lack of transparency in the commission process, but it was ultimately chosen from five finalists after an open call. The sculpture is expected to reflect Tubman's strength and leadership, as well as her faith, while also inviting viewers to contemplate what it means to walk in her footsteps today.
The city has not provided an update on when the statue is expected to be completed or installed, but officials are hoping that this new process will provide a more inclusive and transparent way of engaging with the community.
... I mean, who doesn't want their words immortalized on a 15-foot statue of Harriet Tubman? It's like, if I submit a quote that's gonna make people go "wow, this is deep," then I'll basically be the next big thing in Philly 
. But seriously, it's cool that the city is trying to get more input from the community, even if they did have some backlash with the initial design. Now it's like, who knows, maybe we'll get a quote that's actually worth walking in Tubman's footsteps for 
. And can you imagine the awkwardness if someone submits something super cheesy? 
"What does it mean to walk in Harriet Tubman's footsteps today?" Um, is it a step in the right direction or a stumble backwards? 
, can you even believe we're living in a time where Philly wants us to submit our own quotes for Harriet Tubman's statue?! 
I think it's so cool that they're doing this open call thingy - like, finally listening to the community and wanting to include more voices! 
The fact that they're looking for something literal, narrative, or metaphorical is giving me LIFE 
. And can you imagine seeing your words on a 15-foot statue?! 
That's what I'm talking about - it's like, we get to be a part of history, ya know? 
I'm definitely submitting my own quote (or two, maybe three... 
), and I hope the winner gets to see their work out there for everyone to see!
. Its like, we should all have a say in whats on public display, right? And this quote thing sounds like a great idea, too - I mean, who doesnt love writing something from the heart? 
. Ill have to check out what people come up with!
. They're basically looking for someone who's gonna make a quick buck off their public display... meanwhile, the real issue is they didn't include enough options for people who aren't from Philly 
. It's all about who you know, not what you actually have to say 
.
They're literally asking for quotes about Harriet Tubman now? Can't they just put up a statue already?! It's not like it's going to make a difference whether someone wins that writing contest or not. I mean, I guess it's cool that Creative Philadelphia is trying to be more inclusive and transparent this time around... but really, shouldn't the city have done that from the start?! 
And what's with the lack of transparency in the commission process? It's not like it's a big deal or anything... *rolls eyes*. The thing is, I do think it's a great idea to have a quote on the statue. Like, a really good one. Not that they'll ever find someone better than Harriet Tubman herself! 
Anyway, just saying, if you're thinking of submitting a quote, make sure it's actually good, or don't bother 