Honoring Solomon Northup 'Hope Out of Darkness' Art Installation Comes To Boston

The "Hope Out of Darkness" sculpture honoring Solomon Northup was unveiled in Boston, emphasizing the city’s historical connection to slavery and its role in the abolitionist movement. Northup, born free in New York in 1807, was kidnapped and sold into slavery for twelve years before regaining his freedom in 1853. His memoir, "Twelve Years a Slave," and public lectures significantly influenced abolitionist leaders like Charles Sumner and Frederick Douglass. The sculpture, designed by Wesley Wofford, was commissioned by the Solomon Northup Committee for Commemorative Works to inspire reflection on justice and history. Northup's impact on the abolitionist movement underlines the importance of remembering the past to inform present struggles.

The artwork invites Bostonians to engage with their city's legacy and the power of art in social change. After its time in Boston, the sculpture will take permanent residence in Marksville, Louisiana, marking the place where Northup was liberated. This installation serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing fight for justice and equality in society.