The Salem Patch: Salem To Honor Charlotte Forten’s Legacy With Grand Statue Unveiling
Posted on: October 16, 2024
The life-sized statue honors the contributions of the Black teacher and abolitionist to the city’s history.
By Scott Souza, Patch Staff
SALEM, MA — A recognition and celebration of one of the most significant Black figures in Salem’s history will come to fruition after five years in the making with the unveiling of the life-sized statue of teacher and abolitionist Charlotte Forten (Class of 1854) in the park bearing her name next week.
The 5-foot-tall statue from artist Ai Qiu Hopen called “The Moving Spirit of Love” will be placed in the park at 289 Derby Street on Oct. 21 with a dedication ceremony on Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. set to include a special program with local actress Samantha Searles sharing poems and stories as Forten herself.
