A massive mural of abolitionist Harriet Tubman, entitled ‘from slavery to freedom’, now adorns the side of the former cotton exchange building in Downtown Houston.
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From 1874 to 1924, this building served as a major part of Houston’s economy, earning it an official State Historic Landmark designation.
But Harris County commissioner Rodney Ellis says that designation ignores the labor and contributions of overlooked people who helped facilitate Houston’s economic boom.
“This work to honor Harriet Tubman and the countless other enslaved people who built our nation is part of our ongoing effort to connect the local commemoration of the legacy of slavery to national commemoration conversations,” Commissioner Ellis said.
The mural is the latest of 47 murals that are part of the ‘Big Art. Bigger Change’ series Downtown.
The works reflect the United Nations General Assembly’s 17 sustainable development goals, which include topics like gender equality, education, climate action, clean water, and sanitation.