The Four Spirits

The Four Spirits, honoring the memory of Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson and Cynthia Wesley was created by Birmingham native Elizabeth MacQueen. It stands in Kelly Ingram Park, across the street from the 16th Street Baptist Church where they died on September 15, 1963. The bomb that took their lives was planted at the church by four Ku Klux Klan members. Next to the church stands a peace pole that reads, "Let there be peace on earth." Indeed.

Feeling the Connection

Several weeks ago I revisited The Four Spirits memorial at Kelly Ingram Park to take a few more photos for the sculptor, Elizabeth MacQueen.  While I was there, this fine looking school group, who had traveled all the way from Kentucky was kind enough to pose for me.  I love visiting this memorial.  It seems everyone that sees it is drawn to put their hands on the pieces.  A wonderful connection.

Addie Mae's Shoes

  

In the sculpture of the Four Spirits ,  by artist Elizabeth MacQueen, Addie Mae Collins is kneeling on the bench barefoot, her Sunday shoes on the ground beside her.  I was touched by the marigolds sprinkled around her shoes and on the bench, obviously picked from the flower bed just behind.  A sweet remembrance.

The Four Spirits

The Four Spirits is a steel and bronze sculpture by Birmingham native Elizabeth MacQueen.  MacQueen's vision for a memorial of the four young girls killed in the 16th Avenue Baptist Church bombing in 1963 was unveiled over the weekend at Kelly Ingram Park. I went down on Monday to photograph. As you can imagine, there were many there to see it and just watching the crowd that gathered was very moving for me. Many took photographs, some stood in silence and touched them.  Today an image that moved me.  I will share many more details as this work begs to be photographed up close so that the symbolism intended can be appreciated. I realized when I looked at my photos that I didn't really get a good overall view for you. I will go back this week for that. For now and the next few days, I will share special details that spoke to me.

I found this interesting comments from the artist HERE.