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After facing backlash for selecting a white artist to create the Tubman statue, Philadelphia is moving forward with a Black artist's design.

After a public input survey generating thousands of votes, artist Alvin Pettit has been chosen by the City of Philadelphia to create a permanent statue paying homage to famous abolitionist and emancipator Harriet Tubman. The sculpture, which will be located outside City Hall, will be the first statue of a Black female historical figure in Philly’s public art collection.

After a year of controversy surrounding the no-bid commission process, five Black artists with a history of creating monumental, figurative works will be in the running to create the final sculpture.

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia’s controversy over awarding a direct commission for a permanent Harriet Tubman monument has aroused widespread national interest and a split among the city’s own statue advisory committee. During a June 15 public input meeting, critics denounced city arts officials for giving the $500,000 commission to Wesley Wofford,

Wesley Wofford's touring Harriet Tubman statue struck a chord, but should a Black artist should make Philadelphia's permanent monument to her?