Raleigh, N.C. — Tucked away in downtown Raleigh, at the intersection of Lane and Wilmington streets near the Executive Mansion, lies an acre of land that will be the site of North Carolina Freedom Park. Next week, crews will break ground on the first North Carolina state monument to honor African-Americans.
Reginald Hildebrand, a member of the new park's board of directors, calls it a place for people to learn about the contributions of African Americans who fought for a better society.
"When school children come to the State Capitol ... there is nothing here that affirms the presence and significance of the history of Black people in North Carolina," Hildebrand said. "We want this to be a way to expose school children coming to that history and to that value of freedom."
A virtual tour gives viewers a chance to experience what the park will be like. It will feature five walkways filled with words of freedom from people who were once slaves.
"Every voice, every word that will be inscribed on those walls, will be the words of Black North Carolinians," Hildebrand said.
There will be "words about freedom, words of encouragement, words of understanding oppression and how it’s overcome, words that will help people persevere during times of adversity."
In the middle of the park will be a Beacon of Light.
"It'll shine up in the night sky. That will reflect the fire for freedom," Hildebrand said.
The late Phil Freelon, a notable architect from North Carolina who designed the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall, designed Freedom Park. His son said Freelon stayed committed to the project until he passed away from ALS last year.
Pierce Freelon said his father enjoyed reflecting rich history through his work and was excited and proud to bring Freedom Park to life.
"There's never been a time when there's been a greater need to establish some common ground," Hildebrand said. "Freedom is a value that we all cherish, an idea that we’re all pursuing. This park represents that common ground.
"Freedom Park is not just a park for Black folks. It's a park for all North Carolinians and Americans."
There will be a groundbreaking ceremony next Wednesday. Construction is expected to begin in 2021 and take about a year to complete.
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NC breaks ground on new park, monument to freedom - WRAL.com
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