WTOC, Savannah, Georgia, news, weather and sports | Haitian Monument draws criticism over faces depicted
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By Justin Burrows - email
SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) - After struggling for 9 years to complete the first ever Haitian Monument in the U.S., the City of Savannah and The Haitian American Historical Society, finally had their day in early October.
The monument represents the nearly 500 Haitians who fought in The Siege of Savannah in 1779 and was unveiled after Rudolph Moise donated $120,000 for it's completion.
Now the monument is gaining criticism from some of the Haitian Community after it became known that the sculptor based several of the faces on those of living individuals who were instrumental in it's completion.
An idea that has mixed reviews with tourists viewing the monument.
"Someone's face has to be there, and I think if they put up the money, that's fine," said North Carolina resident Elizabeth Painter.
"I think if you're a donor, you should be represented as a donor and to look at that sculptor you would think that it's a representation of the people that actually fought," said tourist Linda Stubbs, who was visiting from Atlanta.
"I don't think the face really matters, I think the story matters," said her husband Thomas Stubbs.
A point, Jamal Toure, who has been a part of the process since the beginning and whose face is represented in the monument, agrees with.
"As well as with any of the other men whose faces are on the monument, again, it's not about individuals, I don't think anyone viewed it as being something about me, but really the larger story," Toure said.
Toure says he is honored to be a part of the sculpture and that none of the men represented in it, asked to be included.
"We need to not harbor jealousy and envy," Toure said. "We need it to be about the integrity, because the monument does touch upon what has occurred here in Savannah and it tells a story. I think it is tied to sour grapes and if someone cares to say other wise, then please share the information."
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