In Dallas, Martyrs Park is debuting a sculpture called Shadow Lines, honoring victims of racial violence, specifically those who were lynched between 1853 and 1920. This public art installation, created by Shane Allbritton and Norman Lee of RE: site Studio, was installed back in September 2023 and will be officially dedicated on March 26, according to the City of Dallas.
The dedication will commence at 10 a.m. at the 6th Floor Museum, with the ribbon-cutting ceremony set to follow at the park itself. Shadow Lines is not just another piece of metal and concrete, it's designed to inspire contemplation and discussion about Dallas's past incidents of racial injustice and violence. The piece features a semicircular wall and a concrete plaza, with shadows striking the plaza to mark the dates of the local lynchings.
M. Elizabeth (Liz) Cedillo-Pereira, the Assistant City Manager, emphasized that tackling the city’s history of racial injustices is crucial for healing and moving forward toward an equitable future. Cedillo-Pereira said, "To heal as a community, we must do the difficult work of confronting the city’s histories of racial injustice, while exploring how that history continues to shape the present", per the City of Dallas.
Moreover, the Dallas Park and Recreation Director, John D. Jenkins, highlighted the role parks and art play in connecting communities and igniting conversations. "This poignant memorial - dedicated to victims of violence and injustice - will create a caring place to honor the past and remember our city's commitment to a more equitable society," Jenkins said, as cited by the City of Dallas.
The Dallas Public Art Program is known for engaging works of art placed throughout the city, and the Director Martine Elyse Philippe is proud of providing a "safe space for reflection and education." The art piece not only serves as a memorial but also as an educational tool designed to raise awareness about the history of racial injustice.
