February 4: Augusta Savage
A Daily Journey Through History Month
The Sculptor Who Lifted Every Voice
Created as part of the Works Progress Administration’s Federal Art Project.
“The Sculptor Who Lifted Every Voice”
Story
In 1939, Augusta Savage created The Harp, a monumental sculpture for the New York World’s Fair inspired by the hymn Lift Every Voice and Sing. The piece depicted 12 singers forming the strings of a harp, symbolizing the resilience and unity of African-Americans. Although the original sculpture was destroyed, its legacy lives on as a testament to Savage’s artistic genius and cultural pride.
Key Quotes
- “I created art for the people.”
- “The duty of an artist is to let the truth shine.”
Cultural Significance
- Mentor to Legends: Augusta Savage taught and inspired artists like Jacob Lawrence and Gwendolyn Knight.
- Symbol of Unity: The Harp became an emblem of African-American culture at a time when representation was scarce.
Fun Fact
Augusta Savage was the first Black woman to open her own art studio in Harlem during the 1920s.
Trivia Challenge
Question: What inspired Augusta Savage’s sculpture The Harp?
(A) African-American Spirituals • (B) The Civil Rights Movement
(C) The Harlem Renaissance • (D) The Great Migration
Why Participate?
Write your answer on the day of the Post in the Comment’s Section (include your name) below to be potentially eligible for inclusion in the 2025 Honorary ROUTES Recognition List! Those who answer at least 20 out of the 28 trivia questions correctly will earn a shoutout in our end-of-month celebration post. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the legacy!
Multimedia
February 3’s Trivia Answer: (C) “The Fire Next Time.”
⭐️
That’s inspiring 👏🏼
My answer for is (A) African-American Spirituals