Sculpture To Commemorate Legal Battles Of Slaves Who Sought Freedom In St. Louis

Hundreds of African Americans who fought for their freedom in St. Louis courts will soon be commemorated in front of one of the city's oldest legal institutions.

The Freedom Suits Memorial sculpture will be installed on the grassy plaza east of the Civil Courts Building downtown. The art piece, to be sculpted by Preston Jackson, will honor the more than 300 lawsuits filed by slaves and the lawyers who represented them within the St. Louis Circuit Court. City political leaders, judicial officials and civil rights proponents gathered Friday to dedicate the site.

“St. Louis has not always been on the right side of history,” said Mayor Lyda Krewson. “Hopefully this statue and some of our actions today will bring about this dedication that will live on forever and help to move us to the right side of history by honoring the freedom suits.”

A cast bronze piece will illustrate the journey of the slaves who went through the legal system to fight for freedom. The artist, Jackson, is known for his bronze and steel sculptures located in cities including Peoria and Chicago.

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