FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                            FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Public Relations Intern Troy Hamilton
(314)223-5078
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

A Legacy of Heritage and Courage Unveiled
 

ST.  LOUIS  (Jun 9, 2012)—A life-sized statue of Dred and Harriet Scott was unveiled on June 8, 2012 at 3PM at the historic Old Courthouse, commemorating the principals  of the Dred Scott Decision of 1857.  The statue is the work of master sculptor Harry Weber of St. Louis, MO, who won a blind competition to create the civil rights pioneers.  Sitting atop a beautiful black pearl granite base (called a plinth), the likeness of the Scotts wonderfully depicts determination, courage, peace and unity.

In May of this year Dred Scott was inducted into the Hall of Famous Missourians, 155 years after the 1857 decision, where a bust-sculpture was revealed in the state’s capital of Jefferson City. The unveiling of the life-sized statue on June 8th will be the first full statue ever dedicated to Dred Scott and his wife Harriet.

The great-great granddaughter of Dred Scott, Mrs. Lynne M. Jackson, founded the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation in 2006, and was among those who had the honor of pulling the veil and revealing the statue at the ceremony.  With her was her cousin, Dred Scott Madison, a great-great grandson, Thomas Bradley, Superintendent at the National Parks Service and Harry Weber.  The program started with the song,  “I Wish I Was Free” by John Legend and ended with “When You Believe”, by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston.  A crowd of over 300 witnessed the ceremony and responded with approval at the new feature which will be there for all to enjoy as they visit the Old Courthouse in downtown St. Louis.

This historic event paid homage to two humble slaves whose decision to pursue their case to the U. S. Supreme Court resulted in a decision that affected all African Americans by directly influencing the issue of human rights.  It was a catalyst to the civil war, the Emancipation Proclamation and eventually to the abolition of slavery.

As a direct descendant of Dred and Harriet Scott, Mrs. Jackson has worked vigorously with her non-profit Foundation to preserve and promote the story of her great-great grandparents. Through tireless efforts and generous contributions, the Foundation has been able to raise over 150,000 dollars towards the statue’s 250,000 dollar price tag.

Every African American owes their gratitude to the courage and persistence of Dred and Harriet Scott, and this life-size statue will serve as a reminder of their efforts.  Donations may be sent to The Dred Scott Statue Fund, P. O. Box 2009, Florissant, MO  63032-2009.  For more information, call 910-964-8790 and visit the website at www.thedredscottfoundation.org.

###