Public art has the power to hold memory. It gives physical form to stories that must be remembered, honored, and carried forward. Ascend, a memorial sculpture by artist Oletha DeVane, does exactly that.
Created as a Memorial to Those Enslaved and Freed, Ascend recognizes and honors the 95 enslaved people of John McDonogh and the 118 people who were manumitted. The work stands not only as a tribute, but as a call to reflection — inviting viewers to confront a complex history with honesty and intention.
Bringing Ascend to life was a deeply meaningful collaboration. As fabricators, our role is to translate an artist’s vision into lasting form — to ensure that every detail, surface, and structural element supports the integrity of the message. With a memorial of this significance, that responsibility carries even greater weight. Every decision matters because the work itself becomes a site of remembrance.
The Memorial to Those Enslaved and Freed will continue to serve as a place for the McDonogh community to remember and reflect, to learn and question, and to gain a deeper understanding of this complex chapter of history. It is a space for dialogue. A space for education. A space for honoring lives that must never be forgotten.
Projects like Ascend remind us why public art matters. It shapes how communities engage with history. It creates opportunities for growth and understanding. And it ensures that stories once silenced are given presence — visible, permanent, and dignified.
We are honored to have played a part in realizing this important work and grateful to collaborate with artists like Oletha DeVane, whose commitment to storytelling through sculpture continues to inspire.
