Union University Professor of Art and department chair Lee Benson has partnered with the City of Jackson to begin a new project titled the “Trail of Truth,” which will depict important Black Jacksonians through sculpture as a way to honor Black history and educate others on its significance to Jackson.
Benson’s inspiration for the “Trail of Truth” came from his own observations of segregation in Jackson during the Civil Rights movement. He has previously completed two projects honoring Black history titled “The Lynching: Of Racism in Jackson” and the “7 Pillars” which honors seven Black Jacksonians and their impact on the community.
The Trail of Truth exists as a continuation of “7 Pillars” and will be placed in Shirlene Mercer park located in East Jackson.
“I built ‘7 Pillars’ and then I thought, ‘I can’t leave this with this whole list of other names that are not being recognized,’” Benson said.
Union University, Benson Sculpture and the City of Jackson have each agreed to help with the five sculptures.
The committee on these sculptures is made up of representatives from the NAACP, Lane College, the Society for African-American Cultural Awareness, the Chester Street Neighborhood Association and other community representatives.
The City of Jackson hopes that the “Trail of Truth” will serve as as a meaningful way for people to learn more about Black history in Jackson and the significant contributions of the Black citizens depicted.
“This is one of the ways we can preserve the Black history of Jackson, to make sure it’s heard and remembered,” Community Development Coordinator and City Liaison for public art Claire Pierson said. “We want this site to be a place of education and inspiration for not only our Black community but all of Jackson. We hope that it will encourage residents from all over the city to visit the park and read more about our history.”
Benson sees the “Trail of Truth” as not only a unique art project but a way to educate the community on Black history. He described the project as a “history book being made into sculpture” and hopes that the “Trail of Truth” will be visited by school groups and community members to promote learning and conversation.
“I hope this thing goes on for years,” Benson said. “I hope there ends up to be 30 sculptures down there.”
