Two business owners, Michael Brian and Jermaine Anderson of Art Br 2.0 in Cambridge, are embarking on a journey to Ghana in October with the aim of taking a Harriet Tubman statue to the Adamorobe village. The village, believed to have many Harriet Tubman descendants, plans to coronate Brian in recognition of his efforts to bring the statue. The statue’s design is set to resemble the one in Cambridge but will feature Harriet Tubman on one side and another hero on the back, symbolizing unity. It will also depict liberators who have fought for African Americans at the statue’s base. The belief that Tubman may have Ghanaian roots is rooted in her physical features and resemblance to the region.
For those with no idea about Harriet Tubman, she was a remarkable African American abolitionist and activist born around 1822. She is best known for her courageous leadership within the Underground Railroad, a covert network that assisted enslaved individuals in escaping to freedom in the North and Canada during the 19th century. Born into slavery herself, Tubman escaped in 1849 and, over the course of numerous perilous journeys, helped approximately 70 others secure their freedom. She earned the nickname “Moses” for her unwavering commitment to leading enslaved people to safety. Tubman also contributed to the Union Army during the American Civil War as a nurse, cook, and spy and later advocated for women’s suffrage. Her life and legacy exemplify bravery and a tireless dedication to ending slavery and advancing civil rights, making her an iconic figure in American history. In recognition of her significance, her image was planned to be featured on the U.S. $20 bill.
The mission is supported by Anderson, who is affiliated with the organization Alpha Genesis, contributing to the project’s financial aspects. The endeavor is seen as a way to unite cultures and send a global message of unity. Creating and delivering the statue to Ghana is expected to take approximately a year and is estimated to cost around $300,000.
In summary, Michael Brian and Jermaine Anderson, owners of Art Br 2.0, are planning to transport a Harriet Tubman statue to Ghana’s Adamorobe village, where Tubman is believed to have ancestral ties. The statue’s design emphasizes unity and pays homage to liberators who fought for African Americans. The project is supported by Alpha Genesis and aims to bring different cultures together in a united message of global unity, with an estimated timeline of a year and a budget of around $300,000.