The Significance of Harriet Tubman Sculptor's Race

The city of Philadelphia faced controversy after initially commissioning a white artist to design a statue of Harriet Tubman. Following complaints, the city held an open call for submissions and received 50 proposals from Black artists. The debate over the Tubman statue reflects a broader conversation in the art world about the importance of racial identity in artistic expression. Some argue that artists should have the freedom to pursue their vision regardless of race, while others believe that art about Black people should be created by those who share their history. The city has unveiled five semifinalist designs, and the public can vote on their favorite until Friday night.