Standing Tall: Representation, Dialogue, and a 12-Foot Reminder

Thomas J. Price, Grounded in the Stars, 2025. Photo courtesy of Times Square Arts.

We recognize the profound impact of representation. At this museum, it’s more than a concept—it’s what we do. Not only are we aware of its significance, but part of our mission is to help the community we serve recognize that representation in the arts has global impact—even when it begins at the local level.

Of course, there are always decisions to be made: Who do we showcase? What kind of art do we present? Who are we serving with those choices—and who gets left out?

These questions aren’t incidental. They’re central to our work. And while we know we can’t include everyone all the time, that very tension gives rise to dialogue. And dialogue leads to understanding, which gives way to cooperation—something every community needs more of. At least, that’s the ideal.

A Monument in the Middle of It All

Thomas J. Price, Grounded in the Stars, 2025. Photo courtesy of Times Square Arts.

Recently, in the heart of Times Square, the city of New York unveiled a monumental figure—honoring the stories of Black individuals so often left out of the public narrative.

Grounded in the Stars, a 12-foot bronze sculpture by British artist Thomas J. Price, portrays a young Black woman in everyday attire—standing tall, hands on hips, her gaze calm and unflinching.

The artist’s goal? To “challenge traditional ideas around what defines a triumphant figure and who should be rendered immortal through monumentalization.” In short: to expand the frame. To remind us that dignity and significance are not limited to uniforms, crowns, or names carved into textbooks.

A Monument to the Everyday

In a landscape dominated by statues of historical white men, Grounded in the Stars offers something radically different: a tribute to the uncelebrated. The sculpture is not of a famous person—but a composite, a reflection of countless women whose strength often goes unrecognized. It is a deliberate act of rebalancing. A public work that asks, who gets to be seen? Who gets to be honored?

Public Reaction: A Mirror to Society

Thomas J. Price, Grounded in the Stars, 2025. Photo courtesy of Times Square Arts.

Some viewers have felt empowered by the sculpture—moved by its scale, its grace, and its audacity. Others have criticized it, revealing just how deeply uncomfortable many still are with shifting ideas of worth and visibility.

But that discomfort, that conversation, is the point. This statue isn’t just standing in Times Square—it’s reflecting back our assumptions, our blind spots, and our potential.

Resonance with Our Mission

At the Northeast Louisiana Delta African-American Heritage Museum, we deeply understand the stakes of representation. We champion efforts to honor the narratives of Black people whose contributions risk being overlooked—not only in public monuments but in education, culture, and daily life.

Grounded in the Stars is a powerful reminder that the stories we choose to tell—or ignore—shape our collective understanding. And as we see it, the act of telling fuller, truer stories is sacred work.

Continuing the Conversation

So we ask:

• Who are the everyday heroes in our own community whose stories remain untold?

• How can we, as a museum and as individuals, contribute to a more inclusive narrative of history and culture?

We’re taking this moment to reaffirm our commitment to celebrating the richness and diversity of the African-American experience. Let us hear from you. Let’s keep this dialogue alive—because visibility is only the beginning.

Note: This blog post is inspired by the recent installation of Thomas J. Price’s Grounded in the Stars in Times Square. The work is on view through June 17, 2025. For more about the artist, visit Times Square Arts or explore current coverage in your favorite art and culture outlets.