Philadelphia unveils first-ever statue depicting an African American woman

By Julia Hatmaker | [email protected] via https://www.pennlive.com

Philadelphia welcomed its first-ever free standing statue of an individual African American girl on July 31.

The statue, titled MVP, was unveiled at Smith Playground in the City of Brotherly Love by public art officials and the artist, Brian McCutcheon. It showcases a young middle-school-aged woman clutching a basketball, poised to make a decision. Does she dribble down the court? Pass? Shoot? It’s a moment of possibility, and one that city workers hope will inspire those in the South Philadelphia neighborhood it resides in.

“As an African American female, I am so proud of MVP as it depicts a young person of color and a female figure,” said Kelly Lee, chief cultural officer for the city. “These are characteristics not traditionally reflected in  …

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