VermontBiz Today the City of Burlington's Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (REIB) Office held an unveiling of Embrace and Belonging, a monumental public art installation dedicated to the city's commitment to racial equity, located in Dewey Park.
The monument project was a cross-department collaborative effort with input and staff support from Burlington City Arts and Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront.
"The 'Embrace and Belonging' monument stands as a powerful testament to the City of Burlington's dedication to racial equity and belonging.” said Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak. “This landmark will inspire our community to reflect on our shared history and work together towards a future where everyone feels a true sense of belonging."
“This monument represents our community’s dedication to acknowledging our shared history and striving for a future where everyone feels a profound sense of belonging,” said Phet Keomanyvanh , Interim Director of the REIB office. “'Embrace and Belonging' is not just a work of art; it is a symbol of our commitment to racial equity and an invitation for all to participate in the ongoing dialogue about inclusion and justice.”
About the Sculpture
In response to the social justice uprisings and racial reckoning of 2020, the City’s REIB office envisioned a permanent tribute to the community's commitment to racial equity. Replacing the temporary Black Lives Matter mural on Main Street, this project creates a lasting monument that will inspire and foster a sense of belonging within the community.
Humanity Memorial, led by sculptor Ai Qiu Hopen, designed the monument that features two vertical steel sheets, intricately cut with images of birds, symbolizing the Sankofa bird—a powerful icon urging us to reflect on our shared history and learn from the past to build a better future. The sculpture's design aims to evoke a sense of belonging, promoting true acceptance and unity within the community.
The installation is set on a 16-foot diameter circular concrete foundation and stands 18-foot high.
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