The year 2013, marks the 50th Anniversary of
the Birmingham Civil Rights Campaign. In commemoration of the momentous events
that changed the course of history, a national design competition was called
for a Monument to Foot Soldiers.
It is a monument meant to honor the legacy of
the contributions and sacrifices made by unnamed activists in the civil rights
struggle and to celebrate the ultimate triumph of unity and the human spirit. These
Activists were numerous, selfless and unrelenting in their demand for equal
rights and fair treatment from American society.
Without civil disobedience in the face of
injustice, past sacrifices can go unheard without reminders to be vigilant. The
project, designed by Jaklitsch/Gardner Architects, seeks to be a fitting
memorial to past deeds, acting as a gateway to a "place of revolution and
reconciliation." It is a vessel of memory that will carry its message of
encouragement, sacrifice, and non-violent action to a future Birmingham.
Standing tall within Kelly Ingram Park, located in downtown Birmingham, the Monument to Foot Soldiers takes a cylindrical form created by a stainless steel lattice structure in-filled with glass and metal panels of varying textures and opacities. The glass sparkles and reflects light throughout the day and at night refracts light to shine like a lantern.
Along the park’s path, openings on two sides
peel away and act as a gateway to the monument’s interior and the Park beyond.
The interior of steel structure is lined with text gathered from songs of
freedom—songs that strengthened the resolve of ordinary men, women and children
to stand together. At the monument's center, sits a granite bench inviting
visitors to reflect and contemplate as they are wrapped in the material
surround and can gaze upon the open sky.
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