Fortitude, Metal sculpture at Howard University, Washington, D.C., United States.
Fortitude is a 12-foot-tall metal sculpture at Howard University that depicts a woman in a sleeveless dress and high heels. She has one arm raised above her head and walks forward with an open gesture toward her surroundings.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority commissioned artist James King in 1979 to create this work honoring the 22 founders of their service organization. The sculpture was later placed in a plaza designed by four female Howard University architecture students.
The figure shows qualities of female leadership through forward motion and arms open to the community. Visitors see these gestures as signs of strength and connection to others.
The work stands in Fortitude Plaza, a public space near the Howard University campus. It is easy to visit and observe from multiple angles as the plaza is open to visitors throughout the day.
The sorority gifted miniature versions of the sculpture to prominent women including Winnie Mandela in 1986 as a gesture of recognition. This act made the work known beyond the campus as a symbol of female empowerment.
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