A statue of Bass Reeves was unveiled in Muskogee, celebrating his legacy and Oklahoma’s Black history.
The statue stands tall at the Three Rivers Museum, and folks have been looking forward to this moment for a while. It shows Reeves in action, patrolling the streets of Muskogee.
Mullins got involved through an initiative called “Soulful Stories,” which aims to highlight Black history across the state. She pointed out that Muskogee has a rich history, with Black towns and a vibrant business district that thrived for years.
Angie Rush, the museum director, said the statue’s unveiling was a significant event for the community. It’s not just about history; it’s about bringing awareness to local law enforcement too.
The statue was crafted by Joel Randell from Luther, who really enjoyed the process. He spent about a year on it, from sculpting in clay to the final touches at a foundry in Colorado.
Despite the freezing weather, many people showed up to celebrate. Randell appreciated everyone who braved the cold to witness the unveiling.
The project was funded by a $20,000 grant from the Muskogee Area Arts Council, along with other donations. Muskogee’s Mayor and Police Chief spoke at the event, sharing what Reeves means to the community.
The Police Chief even joked about how they would have been friends back in the day. It’s a proud moment for the Muskogee Police Department to honor someone like Reeves, who made such an impact.
