Monument to the Great Northern Migration
Alison Saar’s bronze figure is a testament to the thousands of African Americans who migrated to Chicago in the early 20th century in search of greater freedom and opportunity. The traveler’s hand is raised in salutation to his new home. In his other hand he carries a worn suitcase symbolic of his journey, dreams and talents.
The figure is facing north, symbolizing the traveler’s destination.
My mother’s family was a part of that migration. My father’s family came to Chicago years earlier.
