On this Juneteenth, we pause to honor a powerful legacy etched into both the physical and historical landscape of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Amid the celebrations of freedom and resilience, we reflect on the former 8th Ward—a once-vibrant Black community that stood at the heart of Harrisburg before it was erased by urban renewal. Though the neighborhood no longer physically exists, its spirit endures.
At the center of this remembrance stands The Gathering at the Crossroads, a memorial located on the grounds of the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Created by ART Design Group, this poignant work of public art pays tribute to the people and voices of the 8th Ward. It also speaks to the broader struggle for civil rights, capturing the hard-won victories represented by the 15th and 19th Amendments, which secured voting rights for Black men and women, respectively.
As a team deeply engaged in the care of public art, ART Research Enterprises is honored to contribute to the stewardship of this memorial. Through our ongoing maintenance work, we support not just a sculpture, but a living space of reflection and remembrance—a place where history continues to speak and inspire.
Juneteenth is a time for remembrance and rededication. Today, we reflect on the sacrifices and the stories of those who came before us. We recommit ourselves to the ongoing pursuit of justice, representation, and equity—not only in the work we create, but in the legacy we help preserve.
