LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Five years ago, Arkansas lawmakers made the decision to replace the statues representing the state at the U.S. Capitol. The existing sculptures, which had been in place for over a century, depicted relatively unknown figures in the state’s history. Former Gov. Asa Hutchinson shared that when he gave tours to constituents from Arkansas, they often expressed not recognizing the individuals represented by the statues in Statuary Hall.
In place of the former statues, the state will soon be represented by Daisy Bates, a prominent civil rights leader, and Johnny Cash, the iconic musician. Bates, known for her integral role in the fight for school desegregation by mentoring the Little Rock Nine, is a well-known figure in Arkansas. The decision to install statues of Bates and Cash in the U.S. Capitol aims to provide visitors with insight into their significant contributions.
Sculptor Benjamin Victor, tasked with creating Bates’ statue, immersed himself in studying her life before beginning his work. He hopes that the statue will inspire visitors to learn more about Bates’ legacy and stand up for justice, embodying her spirit through his creation. The bronze statue portrays Bates walking with a newspaper, notebook, pen, NAACP pin, and rose, paying homage to her impactful work.
Johnny Cash, born in Kingsland, not far from Little Rock, is remembered for his influence in music genres spanning country, rock, blues, folk, and gospel. The statue of Cash, created by local sculptor Kevin Kresse, showcases the singer with a guitar and Bible, representing his multifaceted career and beliefs. Kresse highlights Cash’s authenticity and thoughtfulness as key elements he aimed to capture through the sculpture.
The decision to replace the statues of James P. Clarke and Uriah Rose, depicting figures with controversial histories, came after years of discussion and pushback. Sen. Bart Hester led the charge for change, ultimately resulting in the approval of Bates and Cash as replacements. The selection of Bates and Cash aims to showcase the diversity and impactful contributions of Arkansas’s residents throughout history.
Sen. David Wallace, who championed the legislation to replace the existing statues, expressed his hope that Bates and Cash would serve as representations of the common people of Arkansas. With the installation of these new statues, Arkansas seeks to honor individuals who have shaped the state’s history in meaningful ways. The unveiling of the statues at the U.S. Capitol signifies a new chapter in Arkansas’s representation on a national stage.