The Unified Civic Monuments Project (UCMP) has received a grant of $250,000 from the Whirlpool Foundation to support the design and installation of four new monuments in the cities of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph. The group has a goal of raising a total of $850,000 for the project, and is currently selecting an artist from among four finalists to create and place two complementary monuments, one in each city, both recognizing civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
An additional monument in each town will honor another historic figure specific to that city. The Whirlpool Foundation grant is contingent upon the community supporting the remainder of the full balance of the funds needed for this important project.
“In reviewing the grant request, the Foundation Trustees acknowledged that this public arts initiative to build monuments is not only about honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and two other historical figures, it is also about building a diverse community and a hopeful future for the next generation,” said Mike Todman, president of the Whirlpool Foundation. “The genesis of the Foundation support was embedded in many elements of the Whirlpool Equality Pledge made last year by Chairman and CEO Marc Bitzer, and we encourage the community to support this worthwhile project in any way possible. “
Whirlpool Corporation has been involved with this grassroots project since it began almost one year ago, working with Sharon and Mack Brown, the founders of the project and co-directors of the African American History and Literature Gallery in Benton Harbor. “We are so inspired by Whirlpool’s commitment to this project,” Mack Brown said. “Whirlpool has historically led and generously supported several local efforts to unify our communities. These monuments will stand as a tribute to our collective hearts and souls.”
The UCMP is currently seeking input and participation from the broader community, including help in choosing the artist and sites for the project. The proposals and video presentations of each of the finalists can be viewed at unifiedmonuments.org/artists. Donations can also be made via a link at the top of the homepage.
“The Whirlpool Foundation grant issues a challenge for our community to dig in and raise the funds to bring these monuments to fruition,” said Sharon Brown.
