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On the 100th anniversary of the ratification and certification of the 19th Amendment I am in #CentralPark for @USATODAY for the unveiling of the new Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument which features Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. #MonumentalWomen
It’s not begun yet but here’s a look at the event set up, which provides space for proper social distancing.
The new monument, which is the first to depict non-fiction women in Central Park’s 167 year history, is under the purple sheet ahead of its unveiling.
An aside: Haven’t done an in-person press conference since the pandemic’s onset but with precautions it feels safe. I am excited to be here!
Here’s a bit from Meredith Bergmann, nationally renowned sculptor who created the monument, on why it’s so significant. “We have broken the bronze ceiling.” #monumentalwomen
Sandra Pimentel has been independently fundraising for a few years for the statue and started making masks during the pandemic to sell to contribute to the cause. The colors on the mask reflect those of the historical suffragist sashes. #monumentalwomen
Today is an opportunity to celebrate but the monument goes beyond that.
“Today is one day and the statue is here in perpetuity,” Pimentel said. “It’s not just the unveiling,” she added, noting that now, young people can walk by and learn about the suffrage movement.
“Today is one day and the statue is here in perpetuity,” Pimentel said. “It’s not just the unveiling,” she added, noting that now, young people can walk by and learn about the suffrage movement.
Hillary Clinton has arrived.
The event has begun.
FDNY Firefighter Regina Wilson sings “America the Beautiful” with a slight edit “crown thy good with brotherhood” has been altered to “crown thy good with sisterhood.” #monumentalwomen
“Real women are no longer invisible here, the long wait is over,” Pam Elam, president of the Board of Monumental Women, said in her remarks. #monumentalwomen
Before this sculpture was created the city of New York had 150 statues in public spaces - only five depicted real women.
Local @girlscoutsnyc donated money from their cookie sales to help with fundraising.
. @HillaryClinton gave remarks which lasted about eight minutes ahead of the statue’s unveiling. Here is a short clip:
And finally, my story on the unveiling for @USATODAY @usatodaytravel, is here: https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2020/08/26/new-york-central-park-statue-womens-rights-pioneers-monument-up/5632949002/
@MonumentalWomen @CentralParkNYC
@MonumentalWomen @CentralParkNYC
