Arkansas Swaps Out Statues in U.S. Capitol, Honoring Civil Rights Leader and Music Icon

In a move to better represent the state’s rich history and cultural heritage, Arkansas has decided to replace two little-known statues in the U.S. Capitol with those of civil rights leader Daisy Bates and music legend Johnny Cash.

Civil rights leader Daisy Bates, who mentored the Little Rock Nine, will be honored with a statue in the U.S. Capitol.

The decision to replace the existing statues was made five years ago, with lawmakers agreeing that it was time for a change. The old statues, which had stood for over a century, represented two obscure figures from the 18th and 19th centuries. In contrast, Bates and Cash are iconic figures in Arkansas, with a downtown street in Little Rock named after Bates and a legacy that continues to inspire generations.

Bates, who headed the state NAACP, played a crucial role in the fight for school desegregation, mentoring the Little Rock Nine who integrated Central High School in 1957. Her legacy extends beyond Arkansas, with her story serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for civil rights activists across the country.

Music legend Johnny Cash, known for his country, rock, blues, folk, and gospel music, will be honored with a statue in the U.S. Capitol.

Cash, who was born in Kingsland, Arkansas, is a music icon with a legacy that spans multiple genres. With over 90 million records sold worldwide, he is one of the most successful musicians of all time, inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

The new statues, created by sculptors Benjamin Victor and Kevin Kresse, will be installed in the U.S. Capitol, with Bates’ statue depicting her walking with a newspaper in her arm, holding a notebook and pen, and wearing a NAACP pin and rose on her lapel. Cash’s statue shows him with a guitar slung across his back and a Bible in his hand.

The decision to honor Bates and Cash is a testament to Arkansas’ commitment to recognizing its rich cultural heritage and the contributions of its citizens to the country’s history.

“I hope it really first and foremost inspires them to study Daisy Bates’ life and legacy,” said Benjamin Victor, the sculptor who created Bates’ statue. “A big part of it is to capture that spirit of hers and inspire others to do the same and stand up for what’s right.”

The new statues will serve as a reminder of the importance of honoring our cultural heritage and recognizing the contributions of those who have shaped our country’s history.

The Arkansas State Capitol building, where a street is named after Daisy Bates.