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This would be the first monument in recognition of any African American on the Cambridge Common, historic for being the site where General George Washington formed the Continental Army.
“Prince Hall’s life and legacy in the days before and after the American Revolution proved to be the foundation on which the modern civil rights movement was built,” said Mayor Simmons. “He advocated for the inclusion of African Americans in the Continental Army, an end to slavery, and for the education of black children. He formed organizations where African Americans could gather and speak that remain vital to this day – all at a time when it was dangerous to do so.”
“The Cambridge Common is in many ways hallowed ground, with monuments to important people and events in the history of Cambridge, and the entire nation. Yet, it is sadly absent any reference to the experience of African Americans in that history. By memorializing Prince Hall, and the principles he stood for, we pay homage to those that suffered through slavery, and honor those that fought against it, and provided a foundation for what would become the modern Civil Rights Movement,” said Mayor Simmons.
“Prince Hall’s life and legacy in the days before and after the American Revolution proved to be the foundation on which the modern civil rights movement was built,” said Mayor Simmons. “He advocated for the inclusion of African Americans in the Continental Army, an end to slavery, and for the education of black children. He formed organizations where African Americans could gather and speak that remain vital to this day – all at a time when it was dangerous to do so.”
“The Cambridge Common is in many ways hallowed ground, with monuments to important people and events in the history of Cambridge, and the entire nation. Yet, it is sadly absent any reference to the experience of African Americans in that history. By memorializing Prince Hall, and the principles he stood for, we pay homage to those that suffered through slavery, and honor those that fought against it, and provided a foundation for what would become the modern Civil Rights Movement,” said Mayor Simmons.
The Prince Hall Memorial Committee will be seeking requests for proposals from artists, and plans to select an artist this spring for the permanent marker. In order to make the monument a reality, a fundraising effort has begun.
You can download the RFP package here: http://www.princehallmemorial.org/rfp/RFPCoverSheet.zip
Donations can be sent to:
The Prince Hall Memorial Fund
P.O. Box 390525
Cambridge, MA 02139