Art@Site www.artatsite.com Alison Saar Monument to the Great Northern Migration
Artist:

Alison Saar

Title:

Monument to the Great Northern Migration

Year:
1996
Adress:
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr
Website:
www.publicartinchicago.com:
This bronze figure is a testament to the thousands of African Americans who migrated to Chicago in the early 20th century in search of greater freedom and opportunity.
The traveler's hand is raised in salutation to his new home. his other hand carries a worn suitcase symbolic of his journey, dreams and talents.
The bollards surrounding the monument are also suitcases that are textured with a pattern derived from the tin ceilings of the era
The figure is oriented to the north symbolizing the traveler's destination.
The plaque reads: Monument to the Great Northern Migration. This bronze monument depicts a man wearing a suit made of shoe soles rising from amount of soles. The soles worn and full of holes symbolize the often difficult journey from the south to the north. It commemorates all the African-American men and women who migrated to Chicago after the Civil War.