If the public sculptures, we visited were pins on a digital map they would represent History and Unity. A common history can create a sense of unity among a group of people. When individuals or communities share a history of common struggles, triumphs, or events, it can foster a sense of identity and belonging. For example, the Henry Ward Beecher, by John Quincy Adams Ward, erected 1891 sculpture can unite the African American community in a shared sense of national identity. Beecher was known for his support of the abolition of slavery. He played a prominent role in American life and strived to reform the broken system. On the flip side, historical injustices, such as slavery and colonization can also impact unity. Acknowledging and addressing these historical wrongs is essential for achieving unity and reconciliation, as they can create divisions and grievances that persist through generations. I connected this sculpture with the Hank Willis Thomas , Unity 2019 sculpture, this sculpture made me think of unity and togetherness , it highlights the diversity within our society . Acknowledging and embracing the historical contributions and experiences of different communities can promote unity in diversity.I connected the two because Beecher’s purpose was to bring everyone together and have diversity. Slavery was a system that involved the forced labor of one group of people by another. This inherently created divisions within society along racial, ethnic, and economic lines. Slavery often led to deep-seated societal divisions, where the enslaved and enslavers were pitted against each other, undermining any sense of unity within those societies. In summary, history and unity are interconnected through the shared experiences, narratives, and identities that emerge from the past. While history can be a source of unity, it can also be a source of division when historical injustices are not addressed or when different interpretations of history lead to conflicting identities. Acknowledging and understanding history's role in shaping unity is essential for building more inclusive and cohesive societies. Lastly, the connection between unity and slavery is complex and often involves both divisions and efforts to rectify historical injustices. Achieving unity in the context of slavery often requires acknowledging the historical legacy, addressing ongoing disparities, and working toward social and racial equality. It is a process that many societies continue to grapple with as they seek to heal the wounds of the past and promote a more inclusive and united future. In my opinion these sculptures contribute to healing those wounds.
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