Lexington Park, MD – The subject of Confederate monuments is undoubtedly a controversial one, one that stirs up emotion and passion on either side of the debate. Despite where your opinion falls, one exemplar of artwork that we can all appreciate is located right here in St. Mary’s County, the African-American Monument.
Celebrating its 17th birthday on July 29 of this year, the African-American Monument was a project created by the Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions (UCAC), founded by Elmer Brown. The UCAC first met June 30, 1994 with the goal of establishing a monument to commemorate the contributions that African -Americans had on the development and ever-expanding growth of St. Mary’s County. Today this memorial sits across the street from Gate Two in the same parking lot as Linda’s Café.
The monument itself was crafted from stone and mortar to form the shape of a pyramid. The pyramidal structure symbolizes strength, survival, creativity, and showcases the multicultural background that our county thrives on. “Rough Side of the Mountain,” a hymn written by Reverend Faircloth “F.C.” Barnes was the inspiration for using stone as the pyramid’s material. The lyrics to this hymn symbolize the perseverance one must have, and the hardships one must endure, to find happiness and peace. At the top of the pyramid sits an “eternal flame”—a dedication to the accomplishments made by African Americans of the past, present, and future. Surrounding the pyramid are six pedestals adorned with bronze plaques, detailing the various ways that African Americans served, and continue to serve, in the progress of this county, and our entire country.
The next time you are in the area, be sure to stop by and look upon this beautiful, strong, vital piece of art and history.
