Historical Spotlight: Statue of Liberty
Many of us learned about the Statue of Liberty from Schoolhouse Rock!’s iconic “The Great American Melting Pot” episode released in 1977. A whole generation grew up singing about Lovely Lady Liberty and created core memories that have withstood the test of time. Seen as a symbol of freedom, the statue has a hidden history that has been minimized over time. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on one of America’s most notable landmarks, the Statue of Liberty.
Located on Liberty Island in New York City, the Statue of Liberty was a gift from the French in celebration of America’s centennial anniversary of independence. The idea was originally formed by French historian, abolitionist, and president of the French Anti-Slavery Society Édouard de Laboulaye in 1865, but progress was delayed by a war until 1875. French sculptor, Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, designed her and French civil engineer, Gustave Eiffel, built the metal framework.
The people of France financed the statue while the United States decided on the site and built the pedestal. She was shipped overseas in pieces, assembled, and was dedicated on October 28, 1886.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of liberty named Libertas, the statue depicts a woman with a torch in her right hand and a book with the date of the Declaration of Independence in her left. Originally she was supposed to be holding a broken chain to commemorate the abolition of slavery after the Civil War, but the design was changed to her stepping on a broken chain and shackle with her left foot to avoid being too divisive. However, the way the statue is placed, you’ll never see the chain unless you have an aerial view directly above her.
The statue became a symbol of freedom and of the United States, but its hidden chain speaks to the dystopian society that has grown and festered. Yes, Lady Liberty gives hope of great riches, a better life, and more opportunities, but that’s only a reality for certain segments of the population. Millions of Black Americans aren’t acknowledged simply because America tried to hide its racist ways when the entire world was calling for the abolition of slavery.
Since 1933 it has been maintained by the National Park Service as part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument. She’s a major tourist attraction, garnering millions of visitors each year, but there is no true step forward until the past is addressed and remedied.
Even the Schoolhouse Rock! rendition has to be taken with a grain of salt because it mentions how America is made up of contributions from various immigrants, when actually the country was built by the enslaved Black American population that was never justly compensated. The song features a big melting pot with a recipe book that looks cute, but isn’t necessarily historically correct.
Seeing the Statue of Liberty in person is a major experience to cross off your bucket list. If you ever get to see the impressive fixture, remember that she was supposed to be a symbol of freedom for ALL people, not just those who were born fair skinned. Ultimately, she was supposed to be an encouragement to continue progressing towards equality and fair treatment, but just like the broken chains at her feet, that notion has all but been forgotten.
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Signed,
Jessica Marie
