Black Brigade Monument

Carolyn Manto’s clay model for full-sized statues presented during the interview process.

John Hebenstreit’s model of a relief panel presentation during the interview phase. Artist Bios Tyrone Williams—Writer Tyrone Williams teaches literature and theory at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is the author of two books of poetry. A new book of poems, The Hero Project of the Century, is forthcoming in 2009. • Tyrone will be refining text for the interpretive panels of the monument and also creating epigraphs which interpret the high relief bronze panels illustrating the story. Erik Brown—Graphic Designer Erik has been involved in the creation of several unique, award-winning designs for recreational and public sign wayfinding systems, including Disney’s Dixie Landings and Port Orleans resorts. Erik also designed graphics for venues at the Atlanta 1996 Centennial Olympic and Para-Olympic Games. • Erik will do the graphic design for the monument including typefaces, signs and maps. John Hebenstreit—Sculptor Cincinnati sculptor John Hebenstreit works in bronze, terra cotta, wax and plaster. John’s work is figurative, yet most of his effort in concentrated on creating balance within a piece. Some of his pieces include a life-size bronze bust of Cincinnati’s first African- American Mayor, Theodore M. Berry, for the Cincinnati Park Board; and a life-size bronze figure sculpture of a monk commissioned by Towne Properties for the Mt. Adams Monastery as a monument to one of Cincinnati’s oldest historical landmarks. • John will create two life-size bronze sculptures and several bronze relief panels depicting various aspects of the Black Brigade story. Carolyn Manto—Sculptor Carolyn works in classical sculpture, drawing, and painting. She has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors including the First Place Award for the 24th National Sculpture Competition in Old Lyme, Connecticut. Her bronze sculpture entitled “Joined in Freedom‘s Journey,” is installed at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. • Carolyn will create two life-size bronze sculptures of a mother and child and several bronze relief panels depicting aspects of the Black Brigade story.

Flag of the Black Brigade

The first piece of public art to be commissioned in Cincinnati Riverfront Park will be a monument to Cincinnati’s little-known Black Brigade.  The Black Brigade was formed in 1862 to construct barricades to defend Cincinnati from Confederate attack. Initially, members of the Black Brigade were forced into service. Then, after a public outcry, 700 African-American men volunteered for the service and formed The Black Brigade—which, with many others, successfully built the critical fortifications in Northern Kentucky.

A monument to their valiant efforts is being built as part of the first phase of the park and the process of selecting the project’s artists has been completed. A call to artists and a Request for Qualifications—issued in Spring, 2009—brought 40 responses. A review process, led by Jan Brown Checco, Art Administrator for Cincinnati Parks, resulted in a short list of potential artists, from which a final group was selected. Though the team will work collaboratively, each finalist will have specific assignments. Finalists include  John Hebensteit and Carolyn Manto, Sculptors; Tyrone Williams, Writer; and Erik Brown, Graphic Designer.

Over the next 15 months, individual elements of the monument—which will be installed south of new Mehring Way in the park’s East Tree Grove—will be designed and fabricated. The monument’s concept calls for it to be built into the earth, much like the original Black Brigade fortifications. It will consist of bronze statues and plaques, interpretive signs, and carved stones which will include the names of all 700 members of the brigade. Sasaki Associates, the park’s designers, is working with the artist team and will be creating the overall site plan and landscape plan, to ensure that the monument is well-integrated into the site.

William Mallory, Sr. championed the cause of the monument, saying that this important story in Cincinnati’s history should be memorialized for all time through a permanent monument to the bravery and sacrifice of the men of the Black Brigade.

Site Rendering

Video featuring the story of Cincinnati’s Civil War era Black Brigade and the monument being planned in Cincinnati Riverfront Park to commemorate their valiant service.

 

Jan Brown Checco, Art Administrator for Cincinnati Riverfront Park, speaks with WNKU-FM reporter Steve Hirschberg about the story of Cincinnati’s Black Brigade and the process of designing a monument to honor their service. (Recorded December 17, 2009) Quick Time | MP3