Among the esteemed individuals to be immortalized in the National Garden are:
– Harriet Tubman, the fearless abolitionist and political activist who fought tirelessly for freedom and equality
– Rosa Parks, the courageous civil rights activist who refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus, sparking a wave of protests and boycotts
– Billie Holiday, the incomparable jazz singer whose haunting vocals and unflinching lyrics captured the essence of the African American experience
– Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul whose powerful voice and unwavering commitment to social justice inspired generations
– Coretta Scott King, the devoted wife of Martin Luther King Jr. and a civil rights activist in her own right, who continued to champion her husband’s legacy after his passing
– Frederick Douglass, the former slave turned abolitionist and orator, whose searing indictments of slavery and racism helped shape the national conversation on freedom and equality
– Jackie Robinson, the trailblazing baseball player who shattered the color barrier in Major League Baseball, paving the way for future generations of African American athletes
– Martin Luther King Jr., the charismatic civil rights leader whose message of love, justice, and equality continues to inspire movements for human rights around the world
– Muhammad Ali, the boxing legend and social activist who used his platform to speak truth to power and challenge systemic racism
– Kobe Bryant, the late basketball superstar whose tireless work ethic, fierce competitiveness, and generous spirit inspired countless fans and fellow athletes
These individuals, among the 250 statues to be featured in the National Garden of American Heroes, represent the best of American greatness – courage, resilience, creativity, and a commitment to justice and equality.
The National Garden of American Heroes is a testament to the power of American ingenuity and the boundless potential of the American spirit. By honoring these iconic figures, we not only celebrate their achievements but also inspire future generations to strive for greatness.
As stakeholders in American society, we have a responsibility to preserve our national heritage and honor the contributions of those who have shaped our country’s history. The National Garden of American Heroes is a fitting tribute to these American heroes, and we look forward to its completion.