Philadelphia Unveils Its First Freestanding Statue Of African American Girl 'MVP'
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Children in Philadelphia have another source of inspiration, on Wednesday officials took the wraps off of a statue that is making history. The presentation of "MVP" took place at Smith Playground in South Philadelphia.
This is the city's first freestanding statue depicting of an African American girl.
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"It's a bronze figurative sculpture of a 12-year-old girl basketball player, the sculptures about 5-foot-4 in height and the bronze weights about 250 pounds," artist Brian McCutcheon.
"As an African American female, I'm here so proud of 'MVP,' as it depicts a young person of color, female figure," City Chief Cultural Officer Kelly Lee said. "These characteristics are not traditionally reflected in sculptures and statues around Philadelphia."
Kids in the park quickly embraced an image that they could see themselves in, while they touched it and admire it, they found a bit of inspiration in every encounter.
"I mostly hope that they see themselves," Chief Officer Lee said.
The sculpture was commissioned by the city's Percent for Art program, in partnership with Philadelphia Park and Recreation.
This was also a significant part of the 60th anniversary of Philadelphia's Percent for Arts programs.