New York, NY — June 28, 2025 — Across the United States, artists and communities continue to confront the legacy of racism embedded in public monuments by creating inclusive artworks that reflect a more comprehensive American narrative. Despite bureaucratic hurdles and political resistance, these efforts aim to transform public spaces into arenas of acknowledgment, healing, and representation.
In New York City, artist Vinnie Bagwell’s proposed sculpture, “Victory Beyond Sims,” stands as a poignant example of this movement. Intended to replace the statue of Dr. J. Marion Sims—a 19th-century gynecologist known for unethical experiments on enslaved Black women—the new monument seeks to honor the women who suffered under Sims’ practices. Although Bagwell’s design was selected in 2019 following community advocacy, the project has faced delays due to funding challenges and bureaucratic processes.
“Victory Beyond Sims” is envisioned as a nine-foot-tall bronze figure with wings extending an additional three to four feet, standing atop a low granite base to encourage public engagement. The sculpture’s design includes symbolic elements, such as a ‘light of knowledge’ emanating from the figure’s hand, and an ornate gate that complements nearby architectural features.
The initiative to replace monuments that glorify oppressive histories is not isolated to New York. In Roanoke, Virginia, a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee was replaced with a monument honoring Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cells contributed significantly to medical research. Similarly, in Newark, New Jersey, a statue of Christopher Columbus was removed and replaced with “Shadow of a Face,” a monument dedicated to abolitionist Harriet Tubman.
These projects often encounter political opposition. In 2025, former President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” directing the restoration of certain monuments that had been removed or altered in recent years. This move has been criticized by advocates who argue that it undermines efforts to address historical injustices.
Despite such challenges, artists and communities remain committed to reimagining public spaces. In Times Square, British artist Thomas J. Price unveiled “Grounded in the Stars,” a 12-foot bronze statue of a Black woman, challenging traditional representations in public art. The work has sparked conversations about identity and inclusion in monumental art.
Organizations like Monument Lab have also played a role in this transformative movement. Their “Beyond Granite: Pulling Together” exhibition on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., showcased installations that highlighted underrepresented American histories, prompting discussions about whose stories are told in public spaces.
As the nation continues to grapple with its complex history, these artistic endeavors serve as catalysts for dialogue and change, striving to create a more inclusive and truthful representation of America’s diverse heritage.
