This picture is of sculptor Pepsy Kettavong creating his "Let's Have Tea" statue.

Who are these people? Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, of course! They were close friends and Susan’s parents introduced them. They both believed everyone should have equal rights, but they didn’t always agree on the top priority. Frederick thought African American’s rights should go first and Susan thought women’s rights should go first. Somehow they always seemed to make up again.

It wouldn’t be unusual to see Susan and Frederick together. They both went to protests and conventions together and both gave speeches. They also inspired other people to help fight oppression with them.

In the 1800’s you might see Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass having tea in the living room, but today you would see a sculpture of them in Susan B. Anthony Square. In 2001, artist Pepsy Kettavong had the idea to sculpt Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass as friends just coming together to talk. But historical experts, such as Mrs. Colleen Hurst and Dr. David Anderson, influenced Pepsy to sculpt them as he did; discussing changes that needed to be made at that time.

This sculpture is important to our community. It’s one of the few you can interact with. “You can shake Susan B. Anthony’s hand and sit in Frederick Douglass’ lap”, says Pepsy. This ensures that Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass will always be remembered. This was a neighborhood project. It makes everyone feel good about the neighborhood.

Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass met again at a Women’s Rights Convention. They came together to fight for women’s rights (men had recently received theirs).

The “Let’s Have Tea” sculpture represents all the work Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass accomplished, and it makes us realize how much different our lives would be if they had not had the courage to do what they did.

Related Links:
Susan B. Anthony
Frederick Douglass