“Hope Out of Darkness”, a statue of Solomon Northup by sculptor Wesley Wofford began its temporary display at the Alexandria Museum of Art, with a ribbon cutting Thursday, March 20. A crowd of approximately 100 elected officials, citizens and supporters joined members of the Solomon Northrup Committee for Commemorative Works in gathering on the plaza outside of the museum. Rev. Suzane Wolfenbarger opened the ceremony with a prayer, followed by a rendition of “Amazing Grace” performed by Alexandria’s Second Baptist Church Choir and remarks by several committee members. 

The Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce then came forward with a red ribbon to mark the official opening of the sculpture’s display. Members of the Solomon Northrup Committee for Commemorative Works were joined by office holders and supporters in cutting the ribbon. After the ceremony, members of the audience were invited to join the committee in commemorating the event by signing the ribbon. 

“Hope Out of Darkness” is a superbly done piece of artwork that well summarizes the dignity and tenacity by which Solomon Northrup faced the evil circumstances of slavery and the eventual winning of his freedom. He is depicted as climbing up and forward. In one hand, he holds the broken chains representative of the years stolen from his life. In the other, he holds upraised the papers proving he is a free man. His head is unbowed, and he is moving up and forward. It is a truly beautiful statue that evokes not only the injustice and evil that Solomon Northrup faced, but also his steadfast courage and determination to regain his freedom. 

“Hope Out of Darkness” will stand at the Alexandria Museum of Art until April 4. After that, it will move on to Saratoga and Syracuse, New York and Boston, Massachusetts before returning to Louisiana. The statue will find its final home at the Avoyelles Parish Courthouse in Marksville on January 4, 2026, the Anniversary of Solomon Northrup’s release from slavery. 

The Solomon Northrup Committee for Commemorative Works raised almost $300,000.00 to commission the sculpture and its tour. They are still looking to raise around $65,000.00 to provide a proper foundation for the artwork at its final home in Marksville.