UPDATE: City Council President makes statement on Edward Bannister plaque theft
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Council President Rachel Miller shared a statement Friday regarding the theft of late noted artist Edward Bannister’s gravestone.
Miller expressed her concerns for this matter:
“It is with profound sadness and outrage that I, on behalf of the Providence City Council, address the recent disappearance of the bronze plaque from the gravestone of the revered African American painter, Edward Bannister, located in the North Burial Ground, a city-owned cemetery. This act of vandalism not only desecrates the memory of a prominent and historically significant figure but also represents a disturbing disregard for our shared cultural heritage.”
The bronze plaque that was once attached to the artist’s grave where he and his wife lay to rest was allegedly stolen earlier this week.
The monument in the North Burial Ground was designed by artist Mahler B. Ryder, RISD’s first Black tenured professor.
In 1975, Ryder created a new monument after finding the original 1901 headstone damaged.
Miller noted in her statement:
” We are also deeply troubled by the loss of the plaque, designed by Mahler Ryder, an esteemed African American artist and educator at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Ryder’s contribution to the memorialization of Edward Bannister’s legacy adds another layer of significance to this egregious act of theft and vandalism. Notably, Mahler Ryder was the first African American professor to receive tenure from RISD.”
Wednesday, Stages of Freedom announced that they put out a reward for $5,000 for the return of the historic plaque.
Miller also shared:
“As a city, we reaffirm our commitment to honoring Edward Bannister’s legacy and preserving the rich tapestry of our cultural heritage. We extend our heartfelt condolences to all those who have dedicated significant time toward preserving the memory of Edward Bannister and to those who may be personally impacted by this loss. Together, let us redouble our efforts to uphold the principles of equality, justice, and reverence for the contributions of all individuals to our shared history.”
If anyone has information, please contact Stages of Freedom at (401) 421 – 0606 or e-mail StagesofFreedom@aol.com.
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