Statue of Barbara Rose Johns Unveiled in U.S. Capitol

President Joe Biden’s administration celebrates the unveiling of a statue honoring Barbara Rose Johns, a courageous teenage civil rights activist, in the U.S. Capitol. The statue will replace that of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, symbolizing a shift toward recognizing figures advocating for equality and justice.

Why It Matters

This unveiling marks a significant moment in American history, emphasizing a commitment to honor those who fought against segregation and for civil rights. By commemorating Johns’ legacy, the Capitol reinforces the importance of youth activism in shaping the nation’s values, particularly in the wake of ongoing discussions surrounding race and history in America.

Key Developments

• Unveiling Ceremony: The statue will be officially unveiled at 3 p.m. ET in Emancipation Hall, featuring prominent political figures including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

• Historical Background: Barbara Rose Johns was 16 when she led a pivotal student strike in 1951 at R.R. Moton High School, advocating for equal educational opportunities. This effort contributed to the landmark Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education.

• Symbolic Design: The statue depicts Johns standing beside a lectern, holding a worn book above her head. Its pedestal carries the inscription: “Are we going to just accept these conditions, or are we going to do something about it?” along with a quote from the Book of Isaiah, "And a little child shall lead them."

• Contextual Significance: The statue is part of the National Statuary Hall Collection, which represents each state in the Capitol. This new addition serves as a replacement for Lee’s statue, which was removed amid increasing scrutiny of Confederate symbols.

• Support from Leaders: Virginia’s Democratic Senator Tim Kaine expressed enthusiasm, stating that millions of visitors will gain insight into Johns’ story and her inspiring legacy.

Full Report

Ceremony and Participants

The unveiling will take place in Emancipation Hall, attended by notable leaders from both parties, including Republican Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and Virginia’s congressional delegation. The ceremony aims not only to honor Johns but also to inspire future generations.

Historical Importance of Barbara Rose Johns

At just 16 years old, Johns spearheaded a student strike at R.R. Moton High School in 1951, protesting against the substandard conditions of their segregated school. Her activism would help garner legal support from NAACP lawyers, leading to one of the critical cases reviewed by the Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education. The 1954 ruling declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional, fundamentally reshaping the educational landscape in America.

Artistic Representation

Sculpted by Maryland artist Steven Weitzman, the statue illustrates Johns as a symbol of empowerment and challenging the status quo. The engravings on the pedestal serve as a call to action, reflecting her firm stance against injustice.

Removal of the Lee Statue

The previous statue of Robert E. Lee was taken down in December 2020 amid heightened scrutiny over Confederate monuments. The decision was part of a broader national conversation about race and historical representation, sparked by events such as the death of George Floyd. The Lee statue has since been relocated to the Virginia Museum of History & Culture.

Context & Previous Events

The recommendation to replace Lee’s statue with one of Barbara Rose Johns came from a state commission in December 2020, following the removal of the Confederate figure. This transition reflects ongoing efforts to address historical injustices and honor figures who have contributed to the civil rights movement. Johns’ legacy is also commemorated in a sculpture located at the Virginia Civil Rights Memorial in Richmond, reinforcing her impact on American history.