The first African-American college president called Rutland home in the 1800s.<\/p>\n
On Thursday, a sculpture was unveiled downtown to mark the 195th birthday. of Martin Henry Freeman,<\/p>\n
The sculpture was crafted from the only known photo to exist of Freeman. His great, great, great grandson was there for the unveiling.<\/p>\n
Theres a huge way we could have never known about this, said Robert Dennis. As we put it, this was meant to be.<\/p>\n
Dennis only became aware there was a model of one of his ancestors underway when his cousin was working on their family tree.<\/p>\n
He was just doing some DIY genealogy and was able to connect with the people in Rutland, he said.<\/p>\n
Martin Freeman fought in the Revolutionary War and became president of the Allegheny Institute in Pennsylvania. He later traveled to Africa in hopes of escaping racism, where he became a professor and president of Liberia College.<\/p>\n
The artwork was a collaboration between sculptor Mark Benett and carver Don Ramey. It took more than 6 months of combined work.<\/p>\n
We both agreed that we should use a darker stone, Ramey said. I showed some samples of what I could do with different tools to make the hair texture.<\/p>\n
People on hand noted that Freemans writing around abolition are very much applicable to issues society faces today.<\/p>\n
I want them especially in this day of age, to continue his work of inclusion and fairness for all, and importance of scholarship, Dennis said.<\/p>\n
The sculpture was funded by the Wakefield family, who hopes this will form an increased understanding of African American history.<\/p>\n
Weve had a hand in Vermonts history thats been here-for unrecognized, said Alvin Wakefield. Thats happening here in Rutland.<\/p>\n
Its the 8th piece of artwork added to the Rutland Sculpture Trail.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Read this article: <\/p>\n
Sculpture of first black college president unveiled in Rutland - Local 22\/44 News<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The first African-American college president called Rutland home in the 1800s. Continue reading