In the heart of bustling Manhattan, the Triumph of the Human Spirit stands tall. It’s a testament to resilience and a tribute to a forgotten history. This towering 50-foot sculpture, crafted from 300 tons of black granite, dominates Foley Square. The Triumph of the Human Spirit isn’t just art. It’s a poignant reminder of the African Burial Ground beneath it, a place where over 400 souls from colonial times rest. The sculpture’s boat-shaped base deliberately evokes the Middle Passage, the horrific journey enslaved Africans endured. The form itself, an abstract female antelope, draws inspiration from the Chi Wara effigies of West Africa. These symbols represent the responsibility of carrying on to future generations and celebrating the fruits of labor. Dr. Lorenzo Pace, the artist behind the Triumph of the Human Spirit, created this monument not just to honor those brought to America against their will, but all ancestors and future generations. The sculpture was commissioned in 1999 as part of New York City’s Percent for Art program. This program designates a percentage of the city’s budget for public art projects, enriching the urban landscape. It’s fitting that the Triumph of the Human Spirit is the centerpiece of a park built to commemorate the African Burial Ground, bringing this hidden history into the light. The Triumph of the Human Spirit stands as a symbol of hope, rising above a somber past and looking towards a brighter future. Its presence in Foley Square is a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of the human spirit, a beacon in the heart of New York City.
Gould Family Mausoleum
Ever heard of a “Robber Baron?” Here at Woodlawn Cemetery stands the Gould Family Mausoleum. It is a testament to