Atlanta civil rights pioneer, media maven Xernona Clayton to be honored with statue on International Women’s Day

ATLANTA – A statute of Xernona Clayton, Atlanta civil rights pioneer, will be unveiled on March 8, during International Women’s Day.

International Woman’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The unveiling of Clayton’s bronze statue will stand as a beacon of her illustrious career and legacy as a media maven and civil rights activist.

The 8-foot bronze statue, crafted by world-renowned sculptor, Ed Dwight of Denver, Colorado, will be located in downtown Atlanta in the heart of the city in Xernona Clayton Plaza at West Peachtree Street and Xernona Clayton Way. The statue will stand as a reminder of the invaluable contributions Clayton has made to the city, Georgia, and the world. For more than 60 years, Clayton has helped fight the dragons of prejudice and led the fight for a fair and equitable society.

Clayton worked with the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. She is also Founder, President, and CEO of the Trumpet Awards Foundation, Inc. and creator of the foundation’s Trumpet Awards, a prestigious event highlighting African-American accomplishments and contributions.  Initiated in 1993 by Turner Broadcasting, the Trumpet Awards has been televised annually and distributed internationally to more than 185 countries around the world.

The statue idea was presented by Rick Baker and Mariela Romero, who observed Clayton’s contributions and pledged to help establish a long-standing work of her community contributions.

“There is no one more deserving of such an honor than she, Xernona Clayton, an icon, a trailblazer, a leader of the civil rights movement,” said Naeema Rashad, Xernona Clayton Statue Committee Chair.

Clayton expressed her appreciation of being honored.

“I am more than delighted with this indescribable moment,”  said Clayton.

Pictured: Xernona Clayton (front row, center). Photo provided.

The statue unveiling will be held on March 8 at 10 a.m. For more information, visit the website at xernonaclaytontribute.com.