Civil Rights Pioneer will be celebrated in a day of festivities
Xernona Clayton’s statue scheduled to be erected in downtown Atlanta will be unveiled on March 8, 2023, during International Women’s Day. International Woman’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It is one of the most important days of the year to celebrate women’s achievements and the unveiling of Clayton’s bronze statue will stand as a beacon of her illustrious career and legacy as a media maven and civil rights activist.
The 8-foot statue, crafted by world-renowned sculptor, Ed Dwight of Denver, Colorado, will be located in downtown Atlanta in the heart of the city in Xernona Clayton Plaza at West Peachtree Street and Xernona Clayton Way and will stand as a reminder of the invaluable contributions Clayton has made to the city, the state, and the world. It is noteworthy that the unveiling of her statue is held on a day of recognition of women who have made tremendous strides and impacts in the world. For over 60 years, Clayton has helped fight the dragons of prejudice.
Clayton has worked with the late Dr. & Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and she has been a leader in fighting for a fair and equitable society. She is also the Founder, President, and CEO of the Trumpet Awards Foundation, Inc. and Creator of the Foundation’s Trumpet Awards. The Trumpet Awards is a prestigious event highlighting African American accomplishments and contributions. Initiated in 1993 by Turner Broadcasting, the Trumpet Awards has been televised annually and distributed internationally to over 185 countries around the world.
The statue idea was presented by Rick Baker and Mariela Romero who observed Ms. Clayton’s contributions and pledged to help establish a long-standing work of her community contributions. This statue will be a permanent fixture of Atlanta.
“There is no one more deserving of such an honor than she, Xernona Clayton, an icon, a trailblazer, a leader of the civil rights movement,” said Naeema Rashad, Xernona Clayton Statue Committee Chair.
And remarked Ms. Clayton the honoree, “I am more than delighted with this indescribable moment”.
The statue unveiling begins on March 8 at 10am. For more information, contact Naeema Rashad at xernonaclaytontribute@gmail.com or visit the website at xernonaclaytontribute.com.
