NEWARK, New Jersey – A 25-foot monument honoring abolitionist Harriet Tubman was unveiled Thursday.
The unveiling, in a square that bears his name, marks the culmination of a two-year project inspired by the iconic image of Tubman standing humble, yet proud. monument by replacing The controversial Christopher Columbus statue that was removed in June 2020.
The monument, called “Shadow of a Face,” also includes an audio installation of Tubman’s life narrated by singer and actor Queen Latifah, who was born in Newark.
“I hope they take away new energy, inspiration, humanity, compassion,” Latifah told CBS News of the memorial. “What Harriet Tubman did was about freedom, compassion for those who didn’t have it.
Tubman escaped slavery and risked his freedom to lead about 70 enslaved people through the Underground Railroad, a network of safe houses that led north and included a Newark church with hidden tunnels.
At the site, visitors will also learn that Tubman was a spy in the Union Army, as well as an advocate for women’s rights and the elderly.
Monument designer Nina Cook John said she intentionally placed a mosaic of Tubman’s face at eye level.
“You can look into his eyes and touch his face and connect with him, with his humanity,” John Cook told CBS News. “It could be your mother, your aunt, your grandmother, and in doing so, be more inspired by her.”
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Elaine Quijano
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