Higher Ground: Statue of Adam Clayton Powell Jr

2005 - present

Higher Ground is an 11-foot bronze rendering of Adam Clayton Powell Jr outside of the Harlem state office building on 125th Street and Adam Clayton Powell Avenue. The statue was made by sculptor Branly Cadet in 2005. The sculpture portrays Powell climbing up a ledge, moving towards higher ground, which may represent Powell’s dedication to the Civil Rights Movement. Powel was a distinguished member of the Harlem community in the 20th century. After studying at Colgate and then Columbia, Powell Junior followed in his father’s footsteps and became a minister at the Abyssinian Baptist Church. Powell then became the first African American elected to the New York City Council, and three years later, he was elected to be a representative, making him the first African American congressman from New York. To honor this great achievement, the sculptor has depicted Powell holding a congressional record, and at the base of the statue, there are references to legislation Adam Clayton Powell helped pass: equal pay for equal work, eliminating the poll tax, making lynching a federal crime, and desegregating schools. Additionally, there are quotes from Powell etched into the base of the statue; “Press forward at all times, climbing toward that higher ground of the harmonious society that shapes the laws of man to the laws of God”; and “Keep the faith, baby; spread it gently and walk together, children”. These powerful quotations seem to be addressing the community at large, encouraging determination and faithfulness that the future can be bright.