Honoring Bravery: The Franklin County NAACP Monument to U.S. Colored Troops
ROCKY MOUNT, Va. – Recently, a significant milestone was reached in Rocky Mount with the unveiling of a monument dedicated to 70 African American men who fought in the United States Colored Troops during the Civil War. This 14-foot tall tribute, featuring a bronze figure inscribed with the soldiers’ names, stands prominently outside the First Baptist Church, playing a crucial role in acknowledging the contributions of these courageous individuals.
A Unique Tribute in Virginia
The monument is notable not just for its artistry, but also as a rare recognition of U.S. Colored Troops in Virginia. Over 180,000 African American soldiers enlisted during the Civil War, yet memorials celebrating their sacrifices remain limited. This initiative comes at a crucial time when societal awareness of their contributions is growing, shining light on a facet of history that has often been overlooked.
Words of Remembrance
During the unveiling ceremony, Pastor Christopher Coates of the First Baptist Church beautifully articulated the significance of this monument. He reflected on the irony of honoring men who fought for freedoms that were not fully granted to them at the time. “We pause to honor the men who fought for a freedom they had not fully yet received, who believed in a nation who did not yet believe in them,” he shared, underlining their remarkable resilience and unwavering hope.
Community Initiative: Raising the Shade
The monument emerged from a grassroots initiative known as “Raising the Shade,” a project that has been in development for over two years. Community volunteers collaborated closely with the Franklin County NAACP, alongside support from Virginia Tech and the Mellon Foundation. Their extensive research highlights the collective effort expended in uncovering the stories of these soldiers.
Glenna Moore, chair of the USCT Ancestry committee for Raising the Shade, expressed a personal sentiment regarding the past neglect of this history in educational curricula. “I was never taught about the United States Colored Troops… not one mention,” she revealed. Her hope is that this monument will foster pride and awareness in future generations: “So now Franklin County students can relate to it on a personal level.”
Bridging Communities
Larry Moore, the Monument Installation Chair, sees the memorial as a symbol of unity, emphasizing its potential to heal divides within both local and national communities. “Hopefully this statue will begin to help the United States become the great nation that has the capability of becoming,” he stated. He believes the monument represents a collective aspiration for harmony and understanding in a world often fragmented by differences.
Artistic Vision
The design of the monument is the collaborative effort of renowned artists Paul DiPasquale and Rick Weaver, who are known for their prominent works such as Richmond’s Arthur Ashe statue. Their expertise lends a profound weight to the monument, ensuring that it stands as both an artistic and historical landmark for generations to come.
Ongoing Education and Awareness
Beyond the monument, the initiative includes a daylong public education and discussion forum scheduled for May 31, 2025, at the W.E. Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center. This event aims to delve deeper into the pivotal roles played by Franklin County-born USCT soldiers in advocating for freedom and equality.
Ultimately, this monument serves a dual purpose: it commemorates the sacrifices of these African American soldiers while ensuring their stories are brought to light. As a lasting testament to their contributions, it honors their essential role in preserving the Union and securing their own freedom during the Civil War.