“The Beacon of Hope” sculpture delivered to Downtown Salisbury
SALISBURY, Md. – There’s a familiar, and beloved face now reaching powerfully into the sky in Salisbury.
“Beacon” Delivers Hope Downtown
Thursday afternoon, Wesley Wofford’s iconic sculpture, “The Beacon of Hope,” was delivered downtown, and placed on North Division Street.
The sculpture depicts abolitionist and Underground Railroad conductor, Harriet Tubman, climbing over a pile of metal shackles, with her left hand outstretched in a guiding gesture, and her right hand rising high above spectators’ heads, surrounded by a golden star.
Tubman famously hails from the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and organizers say the sculpture perfectly captures the region’s spirit.
“We have a great community, and it’s just another thing to kind of pull us together,” said Shawna Kearsley, Director of Vehicles For Change Delmarva. “It’s absolutely amazing.”
Cambridge Counterpart
You may recognize the sculpture, as it has an almost identical counterpart in Cambridge, commissioned by Alpha Genesis Community Development Corp. “The artist had the opportunity to have what is called an artist’s proof. He cannot sell it, and the artist’s proof will travel the country,” Kearsley said.
The push for the temporary installation came after a meeting between Kearsley and Wofford. After hearing the story behind the work of art, Kearsley says she worked with community leaders to bring it to Salisbury.
Hoping to Inspire Change
The sculpture will remain in downtown Salisbury until January 31st, before moving on to an installation in New Jersey. Kearsley, whose organization provides low-income families with vehicles, and auto mechanic training to previously incarcerated individuals, hopes this “Beacon” will inspire others to serve their community.
“We train them, you hire them. So, we want to have a conversation with our employers, and our community,” Kearsley said. “And, we’re going to kind of be the beacon on that.”
Looking Ahead
While the official ribbon cutting hasn’t happened yet, the artwork drew a small and awe-filled crowd; exactly what organizers are hoping for throughout the statue’s stay in Salisbury.
“She’s a tool to get us excited, to help us to work on our mission,” Kearsley said, smiling up at the sculpture. “This art is truly about economic development, it’s about cultural development. It’s about all of that, and it’s about us. It’s about unity in the community.”
The official unveiling of the sculpture will be held on November 15th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Salisbury.
