Roy Wilkins was a prominent American Civil Rights Activist from the 1930’s to the 1970’s, and his legacy beyond that is timeless.
Wilkins’ most notable role was his leadership of the NAACP, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, from 1955 to 1977.
In later years, Wilkins was frequently referred to as the ‘Senior Statesman’ of the Civil Rights Movement.
“Spiral for Justice” Roy Wilkins Memorial, located on the grounds of the Minnesota State Capitol Building in St. Paul, is a complex representation of his life and accomplishments.
Transcribed from the Historical Marker:
The central element in this sculpture composition is a spiral. Its 46 elements represent the 46 years of Roy Wilkins’ dedicated leadership of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in its fight for social and economic justice for all Americans.
The walls symbolize barriers created by racial segregation and other efforts to impede the progress toward achieving equality. The spiral ascends above and through those walls.
The final element in the spiral is an obelisk adorned with an African reliquary, a reference to Africans honoring their ancestors. The reliquary is placed on axis with the Judicial Building, which represents Mr. Wilkins’ commitment to justice for all.
Doors along the outer walls reveal a portrait of Roy Wilkins with these quotations from his speeches and writings on civil rights issues:
“No state has the right to abridge the constitutional rights of any citizen or group of citizens upon the basis of race or color.” 1966
“We do not yet have a society open to the free and full advancement of every citizen, whether or not his ancestors were slaves.” 1967
“We must truly see others as ourselves and all as our nation – our common and glorious heritage built upon man and his freedom. For this is what our country is about.” 1966
“We are coming to understand that the peace of the world depends upon a pluralistic, egalitarian society throughout the world. In this process, no group need be deprived of the opportunity or the means of developing and maintaining pride in its cultural heritage.” 1967
To learn more about Roy Wilkins, check out his autobiography, Standing Fast: The Autobiography Of Roy Wilkins
For more information on Roy, the NAACP, and some pertinent Civil Rights issues of the time, click on any photo below.
Such a deep and moving memorial to someone who played such an integral role in the progression of Civil Rights in our nation.
Learning about our American Heroes helps us do better.
Now, and always.
Let us not forget these struggles.
Let us not rest, until we all triumph.
Together.
History Matters…
Love one another…
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