This iconic New York landmark is getting a feminist makeover, and it's about time

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This iconic New York landmark is getting a feminist makeover, and it's about time

By Jessica Rapana

6 years ago

New York’s Central Park has 23 statues of men, and none of women. Thankfully, that is about to change.

You may or may not know that New York’s Central Park has 23 statues. Each of which honours a person who has played a part in America’s history, from William Shakespeare to Christopher Columbus. But what’s really mind-boggling here, is that every single one of them – to date – are of men. Every. Single. One.

Well, pop the champagne and rally the sisterhood, because that is about to change. 

The iconic park is officially getting its first feminist makeover in the form of a new statue honouring three inspiring female pioneers, all of whom were instrumental in the fight for women’s rights: Susan B Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Sojourner Truth.

A city commission voted to erect the new monument in August 2020, which will also coincide with the 100-year anniversary of American women winning the right to vote. 

So, who are these women? Susan B Anthony, a women’s rights activist, played a pivotal role in the women’s voting rights movement and even voted illegally in the 1872 presidential election in protest (she was arrested and fined $100 – which she never paid); Elizabeth Cady Stanton, one of the founding geniuses of the women’s rights movement and one of America’s first feminist theorists; and Sojourner Truth, who escaped from slavery in 1827 and is best know for her now-iconic speech titled, Ain’t I A Woman?

After the vote, artist Meredith Bergmann said: “My hope is that all people, but especially young people, will be inspired by this image of women of different races, different religious backgrounds and different economic status working together to change the world.”

Image: Unsplash/Jermaine Ee

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