Arrr, Arkansas statues be traded for Daisy Bates and Johnny Cash - aye, twill be a grand change, mateys!
2024-05-06
Arrr, the land lubbers in Arkansas be replacin' the likenesses of two old scallywags in the U.S. Capitol with newer faces! Aye, 'tis like swappin' out a trusty cutlass for a shiny new sextant! Change be blowin' in like a salty sea breeze!
Arkansas lawmakers made the jolly decision five years past to swap out the old statues at the U.S. Capitol, as the existing ones were as unknown as buried treasure. Former Gov. Asa Hutchinson recalls how even Arkansas constituents had never heard of the previous figures representing the state. Instead of these forgotten souls, Arkansas will now boast the "Man in Black" and civil rights champion Daisy Bates in Statuary Hall.Bates, who led the state NAACP, famously guided the Little Rock Nine in their integration of Central High School in 1957. Idaho sculptor Benjamin Victor meticulously studied Bates to craft her bronze likeness, hoping to inspire Capitol visitors to learn of her valiant legacy. Meanwhile, musician Johnny Cash, born not far from Little Rock, will also be immortalized in bronze, showcasing his guitar and Bible.These new statues will replace relics of a less virtuous past, as former Gov. Hutchinson and others agreed that it was high time for a change. The selection process was a lively affair, with proposals ranging from a Navy SEAL to Walmart's founder. Ultimately, Daisy Bates and Johnny Cash were chosen to represent the diverse spirit of Arkansas, from civil rights heroes to music legends.