A Tribute to Daisy Bates and Johnny Cash: Arkansas’ New Statues at the U.S. Capitol
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas lawmakers have unanimously decided to replace the statues symbolizing the state at the U.S. Capitol with two iconic figures who have left an indelible mark on Arkansas’ history. Daisy Bates, a prominent civil rights leader, and Johnny Cash, the legendary musician, will soon stand tall as representations of the state’s heritage.
Celebrating Arkansas’ Civil Rights Icon: Daisy Bates
Daisy Bates, the former leader of the state’s NAACP, will be commemorated with a bronze statue. She played a key role in the fight for school desegregation in Arkansas and mentored the Little Rock Nine—a group of Black students who bravely integrated Central High School in 1957. Bates continues to be held in high regard for her significant contributions to civil rights activism in the state.
The statute of Bates, created by renowned Idaho sculptor Benjamin Victor, portrays her with a newspaper in her arm, as she was the publisher of the Arkansas State Press with her husband. She proudly holds a notebook and pen, wears a NAACP pin and a rose on her lapel, symbolizing her commitment to empowering marginalized communities. Victor’s remarkable portrayal aims to inspire the Capitol’s visitors to investigate Bates’ impressive life and her everlasting legacy.
An Iconic Musical Legacy: Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash, the iconic musician, will be immortalized alongside Bates at the U.S. Capitol. Hailing from the small town of Kingsland, Cash’s influence on music transcended genres, encompassing country, rock, blues, folk, and gospel. With an impressive global record sales tally of over 90 million, Cash remains one of the few artists to achieve induction into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
The statue, sculpted by gifted artist Kevin Kresse—who has previously captured the likeness of various musical figures from Arkansas—shows Cash with a guitar slung across his back and a Bible in his hand. Kresse aimed to capture the thoughtfulness and genuine spirit that defined Cash, emphasizing the musician’s commitment to the values he held dear throughout his career.
Preserving Arkansas’ Heritage and Identity
The replacement of the previous statues, depicting former governor and U.S. senator James P. Clarke and 19th-century attorney Uriah Rose, gained momentum due to both historical insignificance and Clarke’s controversial remarks promoting “white standards.”
Republican Senator Bart Hester, now the Senate President pro tem, first advocated for the statues’ replacement in 2018. Clarke Tucker, Clarke’s great-great-grandson and a Democratic state senator, also called for his ancestor’s statue to be removed. Eventually, bipartisan consensus led to the approval of Bates and Cash to showcase the diverse fabric of Arkansas’ identity.
Senator David Wallace, who spearheaded the legislation to replace the former sculptures, stressed the importance of honoring figures who truly encapsulate the spirit of the state. Bates and Cash, representing various facets of Arkansas’ society, effectively embody the shared experiences and the enduring spirit of the state’s residents.
As Arkansas reimagines and revitalizes its representation at the U.S. Capitol, the selection of Daisy Bates and Johnny Cash as the state’s new statues has captured the essence of Arkansas’ rich history and cultural contributions. Both figures will undoubtedly serve as sources of inspiration for countless visitors, shedding light on the remarkable stories that continue to shape our nation.
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