African-American Monument — Attraction in Savannah

Located along the Savannah River promenade, this commemorative bronze monument of an African American family with broken chains at their feet is mounted on a granite pedestal, and was sculpted by Savannah College of Art and Design Professor, Dorothy Radford Spradley.

The plaque placed at the base of the statue in 2019 honors Dr. Abbey Jordan, Educator, Trailblazer and Community Activist.

The pithy, harrowing, yet empathetic inscription is attributed to Poet and author Maya Angelou.

Inscription reads:

`We were stolen, sold and bought together from the African continent. We got on the slave ships together. We lay back to belly in the holds of the slave ships in each others excrement and urine together, sometimes died together, and our lifeless bodies thrown overboard together. Today, we are standing up together, with faith and...

The tour guide made sure to detail the victory of this statue finally acknowledging the dark reality of kidnaping and enslaving of Africans and people of color. The family stands tall, fully dressed and holding each other, a far contradiction from the reality of brutal physical treatment, emotional anguish and being stripped of your dignity. This monument, resurrects the tenacity of strength of people who experienced the Atlantic slave trade. The lost tribes and stolen soul of the diaspora. It more than just a statue with seating around it. It is a sobering reminder of the history this country is...

The African-American Monument is a powerful and moving tribute that reflects both the history and resilience of the African-American community. The sculpture's design, combined with its location along the riverfront, makes for a deeply emotional experience as it encourages reflection on the struggles and triumphs of the past.

The inscriptions offer meaningful context, and the monument itself stands as a reminder of the importance of equality and progress. It’s a must-visit spot for anyone interested in learning more about the rich and complex history of African Americans in...