News Summary
A new monument titled ‘Towards Freedom’ will be unveiled in Lexington, Kentucky, on Juneteenth. The sculpture by artist Basil Watson honors the abolitionists Lewis and Harriett Hayden and those involved in the Underground Railroad. The ceremony marks an important history alongside the city’s 250th anniversary, with support from various organizations, including the Public Arts Commission.
Lexington, Kentucky is set to unveil a new monument titled “Towards Freedom” on Juneteenth, June 19, 2025, at 11 a.m. The centerpiece of this occasion is a sculpture created by internationally acclaimed artist Basil Watson. This monument commemorates the lives of Lewis and Harriett Hayden, formerly enslaved individuals from Lexington who became well-known abolitionists.
The “Towards Freedom” monument also honors the countless individuals who traversed Kentucky’s Underground Railroad in search of freedom. Mayor Linda Gorton expressed her appreciation for the volunteers who dedicated their efforts to bring this significant sculpture to Lexington’s downtown area. The unveiling of the monument coincides with the city’s 250th anniversary, underscoring the importance of sharing the poignant story of the Haydens.
The project received substantial financial backing from the Public Arts Commission, which contributed $245,000, marking its largest investment in public art to date. This sculpture aims not only to acknowledge Lexington’s complicated history with slavery but also to pay tribute to those who resisted it. Essentially, the monument serves as a reminder of the journey toward justice and healing for the community.
The unveiling ceremony will take place at the Lexington Traditional Magnet School, located at 350 N. Limestone Street. Dignitaries expected to attend include Major Linda Gorton, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and members of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council. The event symbolizes both a celebration of progress and a commitment to remembering the past.
Lewis and Harriett Hayden experienced over 30 years of enslavement in and around Lexington before they escaped via the Underground Railroad. Following their escape, they established a station in Boston, where they facilitated the journey of hundreds seeking freedom. Harriet dedicated her life to advocating for equal rights and bequeathed her estate to Harvard Medical School to support Black medical students. Meanwhile, Lewis became a prominent figure in the abolitionist movement and made history as the first Black legislator in Massachusetts.
In addition to the Public Arts Commission’s contribution, the project garnered support from the Kentucky Historical Society and national grants, including one from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Community engagement is also a fundamental aspect of the project, with plans to include the Haydens’ stories in the fifth-grade curriculum, fostering a deeper understanding of their legacy among young learners.
The “Towards Freedom” monument not only memorializes the Haydens but also aims to preserve stories long untold, signifying a corrective step for the broader understanding of America’s historical narrative. The presence of notable attendees and community members at the unveiling will highlight the cooperative effort to pay homage to the historical struggles for freedom.
For more information about the unveiling event, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official Facebook event page. This monument serves as a critical reminder of the importance of recognizing historical injustices and honoring the resilience of those who fought against them.
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Additional Resources
- Lex18: Lexington Freedom Train to Unveil Monument Honoring Underground Railroad Legacy
- Wikipedia: Underground Railroad
- WTVQ: Lexington to Unveil ‘Towards Freedom’ Monument Honoring Underground Railroad Heroes
- Google Search: Underground Railroad Kentucky
- Lane Report: The Lexington Freedom Train to Unveil ‘Towards Freedom’
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Abolitionism
- Kentucky.com: Opinion Article by Linda Blackford
- Google News: Kentucky History
