The New York City Public Design Commission has unanimously approved of the design of the proposed Shirley Chisholm monument to be displayed at the Parkside and Ocean Avenue entrance to Prospect Park. The new monument will pay homage to Brooklyn trailblazer Shirley Chisholm, the first Black congresswoman and the first woman to seek the Democratic presidential nomination.
“This monument will introduce new generations to the legacy and contributions of this pioneering Brooklynite, and remind us all about the great things that grow from our community,” said Morgan Monaco, President of Prospect Park Alliance. “When your history is not always acknowledged or celebrated it can feel debilitating. I can’t wait for this monument to stand as a beacon for all who enter Prospect Park to feel connected to her legacy and to feel that Prospect Park is a space for them.”
The design by artists Amanda Williams and Olalekan B. Jeyifous, “Our Destiny, Our Democracy,” was selected through an open design competition organized by the Department of Cultural Affairs, where community members were able to vote for their favorite design.
The design is made of painted steel, patinated bronze and carved stone, and features a monumental portrait of Chisholm patterned with images of plants native to Brooklyn and Barbados, where Chisholm spent ages five through nine, including the Pride of Barbados, American Chestnut and Wild Geranium, juxtaposed with the nation’s Capitol Building.
The stonework surrounding the monument will include a Chisholm quote and an outline of the House of Representatives seating plan, with a bronze plaque representing Chisholm’s seat.
In addition to the monument, the Prospect Park Alliance will be restoring the Ocean Avenue perimeter and Parkside Entrance to the park through $16.5 million in City funding. This funding will include new pedestrian pathways, historic lighting, street furniture, trees and plantings; a new protected bike lane; and, through funding from Council Member Rita Joseph, the restoration of the entrance’s historic pergola.
The City also has allocated $6.75 million in funding for the Shirley Chisholm Welcome Center. This Prospect Park Alliance project will transform a historic building near the Parkside entrance that is currently used as a maintenance facility into a visitor center and restroom.
