Houston/ Arts & Culture
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Published on December 08, 2023
Houston Honors Barbara Jordan with Strikingly Symbolic Sculpture by Angelbert Metoyer at POST HoustonSource: City of Houston website

Houston's own Angelbert Metoyer has designed a powerful tribute to the legendary Barbara Jordan, an embodiment of the city's rich civil rights history and political breakthroughs. The "I Am Barbara Jordan" monument unveiled at POST Houston depicts the iconic figure seated, facing the city's downtown skyline—an homage to the trailblazer's lasting influence. According to the Houston Chronicle, Metoyer spent years perfecting the design, ensuring it was rich in symbolism and transformative qualities—much like Jordan herself.

Looking at the finer details, Metoyer's work incorporates repurposed bricks from the location's previous life as the Barbara Jordan Post Office, embedding a piece of history at the base of the monument. Metoyer praised POST Houston Managing Director Kirby Liu for preserving these bricks and adding authenticity to the project. Meanwhile, the Houston community has shown deep appreciation for the installation, with local figures like Mayor Sylvester Turner and U.S. Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee and Al Green contributing to the ceremonies, as reported by Hoodline.

More than just a static portrayal, the Jordan Monument has been designed to shift perceptions from different angles—a concept Metoyer says mirrors the dynamic and transformative nature of the late congresswoman. With each side distinct from the next, the statue encourages observers to engage and reflect on Jordan's powerful legacy. The sculpture’s totemic elements, like Jordan's right hand on the U.S. Constitution atop an American flag, signify her dedication to the nation's values.