MLK Day 2022
We’re mindful of the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and many others throughout the year so we appreciate the opportunity to celebrate with a dedicated holiday each year. This year, we’re sharing a few images of The Three Pioneers sculpture by Martin Dawe. The sculpture (see below) celebrates three men who were the first black students to enroll in Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech).
It’s a striking sculpture because it’s open to interaction. Unlike some other pieces of sculpture which are only to be observed from a distance, you can approach the life-sized figures and move around them just as you would with anyone in public.
The sculpture is installed on Harrison Square on the Georgia Tech campus in Atlanta - immediately west of Bobby Dodd stadium. It was dedicated in 2019.
The bronze plaque shown above accompanies the sculpture. In case you can’t read it, here’s the text:
These sculptures of Ford C. Greene, Ralph A. Long, Jr., and Lawrence M. Williams hone the first African American matriculants at the Georgia Institute of Technology. In 1961, Georgia Tech became the first college in the deep south to peacefully and successfully integrate without a court order. This significant event is commemorated through the generosity of Betsy and Bo Godbold, IE 1965.
Dedicated September 4, 2019
Martin Dawe, Sculptor
The following image is taken from the most impactful perspective. An observer can read both hope and determination on the faces of the men.
There are other sculptures at Georgia Tech that we have yet to photograph and share. They include a statue of Ronald Yancey, the first black graduate of Georgia Tech, and a new stature of Rosa Parks entitled Continuing the Conversation.
It can be a challenge to share a post like this without being sanctimonious - it’s hard to capture the high ideals and incredible importance of these issues. So, we’ll just say it’s important to celebrate progress made against discrimination and injustice as a means of working toward their elimination. We’re grateful for the many examples of people around the world to who to help others, even when that support comes at their own risk.
This year, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is celebrated on Monday January 17th. Dr. King’s birthday was January 15, 1929… a Tuesday.
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