Huge Mural In Newark Captures Enduring Spirit Of Sojourner Truth – Newark, NJ Patch
NEWARK, NJ — It’s been more than 150 years since Sojourner Truth earned a place in history fighting for women’s rights and abolition. But her messages of hope and justice are still as relevant today as they were in the 18th and 19th century.
Now, the many truths of Truth will live on in a huge, 30-foot piece of art on Edison Place in Newark, New Jersey.
Recently, local artist Grace Lynne Haynes completed a massive mural of the late activist. Entitled “Sojourner Truth, Founding Mother,” the artwork commemorates the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment, which gave women the right to vote.
The mural is located in the rear of Project for Empty Space’s new home on Broad Street, which houses a community art gallery and 50 artist studios. It faces the Prudential Center, which city officials are trying to turn into a “super polling site” for the 2020 general election.
The image that inspired the mural was first published on the cover of an issue of The New Yorker.
“I learned about Sojourner Truth as a child, in grade school, and was always inspired by her tenacity, will, and futuristic vision,” Haynes said in an interview with the publication. “I wanted to shed light on her legacy, which reminds women that no matter what has happened in their lives, they can still have a powerful impact on society.”
The mural is part of an ongoing public art initiative supported by Mayor Ras Baraka and the City of Newark’s Division of Arts and Culture.
Rebecca Jampol and Jasmine Wahi, co-directors of Project for Empty Space, said the new mural is in step with the group’s mission of being a social justice-driven, female-led art space.
“We believe that it is imperative that we acknowledge the power of one’s voice, action and vote,” Jampol and Wahi said. “This work is a reminder of the impact a single person can have in the race for reform.”
Mayor Baraka also had high praise for the mural.
“Sojourner Truth was one of the earliest African-American women to fight for the rights and liberties of all American women,” Baraka said. “While she may have spoken and fought for women’s rights and against racism more than 150 years ago, her message remains as current and important now as it did then.”
“It’s truly appropriate for us to honor her work now and carry her message into the future, both through activism and art,” Baraka said.
The Sojourner Truth mural is part of a long-running tradition in Newark of using art to fight for social justice.
In June, hundreds of people came together to paint a massive tribute to the Black Lives Matter movement on two of Newark’s busiest streets.
The first message, “All Black Lives Matter,” took up an entire city block on Halsey Street, east of the Rutgers University campus. The second message, “Abolish White Supremacy,” found a home on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard between the Essex County Historic Courthouse and Veterans’ Courthouse.
In January, Newark Arts announced that the first phase of the Four Corners Public Arts project is finished, bringing 14 new murals to the Brick City.
Since the project began, previously stark alleyways on Treat Place and Beaver Street have been transformed with vibrant, welcoming art painted on building facades and sidewalks. The eye-catching artwork uses the city itself as a backdrop, drawing inspiration from its past.
Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com
Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.