Barbara Rose Johns Statue Unveiled at U.S. Capitol: A Symbol of Courage and Equality
A statue of Barbara Rose Johns, a teenager who protested against segregation at her Virginia high school in the 1950s, will be unveiled at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday. The statue will replace one of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee that was removed a few years ago. The unveiling ceremony will feature various political figures and Virginia's congressional delegation.
Barbara Rose Johns was just 16 years old when she led a student strike for equal education at R.R. Moton High School in Farmville, Virginia. Her actions led to a lawsuit that was part of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case. The statue of Johns will depict her holding a book over her head, with a powerful message engraved on its pedestal.
The statue of Barbara Rose Johns is a symbol of bravery and leadership, meant to inspire visitors at the U.S. Capitol to stand up for equality and justice. It replaces the statue of Robert E. Lee, which had been in the Capitol for over a century before being removed in 2020. The new statue is part of the National Statuary Hall Collection, where each state can contribute two statues.
Barbara Rose Johns' legacy is also honored in a sculpture at the Virginia Civil Rights Memorial in Richmond. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of fighting for equality and justice. The statue of Johns, sculpted by Steven Weitzman, has received approval from the Architect of the Capitol and the Joint Committee on the Library. It is a significant addition to the Capitol's collection of statues.
The statue of Barbara Rose Johns is a powerful tribute to her courage and determination in the fight against segregation. It stands as a reminder of the progress made in the struggle for civil rights and the ongoing work needed to achieve equality for all. Visitors to the U.S. Capitol will now have the opportunity to learn about Johns' story and be inspired by her legacy for generations to come.