Unveiling the Moving Spirit of Love: The Charlotte Forten Sculpture. In a groundbreaking moment for Salem’s cultural landscape, a life-sized bronze memorial honoring Charlotte Forten Grimké is set to take its place in the heart of downtown. “The Moving Spirit of Love,” created by renowned artist Ai Qiu Hopen, represents more than just a new addition to Salem’s public art collection—it marks the city’s first statue of a Black woman. It celebrates an extraordinary educator, poet, and abolitionist who helped shape Salem’s history.
A Monument Five Years in the Making
The journey to this historic installation began five years ago, with every step guided by community voices. From naming the park to selecting the final design, Salem residents have been integral to ensuring that this memorial reflects the community’s values and vision.
“I’m so proud that Salem will soon unveil the sculpture of such a significant figure in our city and our nation’s history,” says Mayor Dominick Pangallo. “Celebrating Charlotte Forten Grimké’s legacy through this public art installation reflects our shared value of education, equity, and the diversity of voices, stories, and lived experiences in our community.”
Breaking New Ground
The significance of this installation extends beyond honoring Forten Grimké’s legacy. As Regina Zaragoza Frey, Salem’s Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, notes, “It marks Salem’s first statue of a Black woman… It is also the first statue in Salem created by a woman of color, artist Ai Qiu, of Asian descent. Her work, Moving Spirit of Love, symbolically embodies hope and justice.”
A Living Memorial
The installation will accompany a unique artistic complement: a 128-foot-long horizontal fabric scroll created by Lynn-based artist Mitchel Ahern. This hand-printed banner will feature selected writings from Forten Grimké’s journals, offering visitors a glimpse into her powerful words and unwavering spirit.
The Artist’s Vision
Ai Qiu Hopen, whose journey from rural China to creating meaningful monuments across America is remarkable in itself, drew inspiration from Forten Grimké’s vision of hope and light. The artist was particularly moved by Forten Grimké’s words: “The long, dark night of the Past, with all its sorrows and its fears, was forgotten; and for the Future—the eyes of these freed children see no clouds in it. It is full of sunlight, they think, and they trust in it, perfectly.”
Event Details
Statue Installation
- Date: October 21, 2024
- Location: Charlotte Forten Park, 289 Derby Street, downtown Salem
Dedication Ceremony
- Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024
- Time: 1:00 PM
- Rain Date: Sunday, November 17th
- Special Feature: Historical reenactment by History Alive Inc., featuring actress Samantha Searles as Charlotte Forten
- Location: Charlotte Forten Park
Full schedule of events to be released. Sign up for updates at bit.ly/CFPMSignUp
This monument represents more than just public art—it’s a testament to Salem’s commitment to telling its complete history and celebrating the diverse voices that have shaped our community. As the statue takes its place in Charlotte Forten Park, it stands as an invitation to future generations to learn from the past while embracing a more inclusive future.
The project has been made possible through support from various organizations, including the National Endowment for the Arts, The Metropolitan Area Planning Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, Essex County Community Foundation, Community Development Block Grant Program, ARPA Lost Revenue, and the City of Salem.
To learn more about Charlotte Forten Grimké and follow the project’s development, visit the official project website.
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