The Arc of Justice: Kerry James Marshall Honors Pioneering Black Lawyers in New Monument in Des Moines
The months following the horrific events in Charlottesville have brought renewed attention to Confederate monuments, reigniting the debate surrounding symbols of racism and white supremacy in the United States. As Americans contend with the possibilities of relocating, destroying, or recontextualizing these objects, some have argued that new monuments should be built, ones that honor the achievements of black historical figures rather than their oppressors.
That is just what is now happening in Des Moines, Iowa, where, in 1924, twelve black attorneys based in the Midwest founded the National Bar Association, a law organization whose stated purpose was “to strengthen and elevate the Negro lawyer in his profession and in his relationship to his people.” Kerry James Marshall has created a new monument honoring them, and it is set to go on view in the spring.
