Chicago officials and community leaders gathered on Wednesday to break ground on the Mother Jones “We Shall Rise” Monument, a bronze sculpture that will stand in the newly named Mother Jones Plaza on Wacker Drive near Wabash Avenue. The monument, the first downtown tribute to a historic woman, celebrates the legacy of Mary Harris Jones, the Irish‑born labor organizer who helped shape the city’s early 20th‑century labor movement.
Design and Symbolism
The artwork, created by artists Kathleen Farrell and Kathleen Scarboro, will feature a likeness of Mother Jones alongside a child in a pose that echoes the 1903 “March of the Mill Children.” That march saw child textile workers travel from Philadelphia to New York City to demand a reduced work week of 55 hours for children. The sculpture is intended to remind onlookers of the ongoing struggle for fair wages, safe working conditions, and equal rights for all workers.
Partnerships and Funding
The project is a joint effort between the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and the Mother Jones Heritage Project, an initiative led by labor historian Rosemary Feurer. The heritage project raised more than $200,000, and the government of Ireland contributed a seed grant of $36,000, underscoring the deep ties between Chicago’s Irish community and its labor heritage.
Official Remarks
Mayor Brandon Johnson addressed the crowd, saying, “Mother Jones understood that when working people organize, we have the power to change the world. We are a Union Town. We are a proud city.” Alderman Brendan Reilly added, “For too long, the contributions of women like Mother Jones have been overlooked, and this monument will help make sure that her story and the stories of working people she stood beside are seen and remembered.”
Bob Reiter, president of the Chicago Federation of Labor, echoed the sentiment, noting that the monument will serve as a “reminder of the work that remains to be done.” Consul General Megan Grealy of Ireland highlighted the cultural connection, stating, “It will be an important day for Chicago, an important day for Ireland, and an important moment in celebrating the deep and enduring bonds between our two communities.”
Community Impact
City planners see the monument as a catalyst for further public‑art projects in the downtown area, building on the momentum of the Chicago Monuments Project, which began in 2020 amid a citywide reassessment of public memorials. The plaza will provide a gathering space for residents, tourists, and school groups learning about Chicago’s labor history.
Construction is slated to continue through the spring, with a dedication ceremony planned for May 1, aligning with International Workers’ Day. The monument is expected to become a focal point for future commemorations, educational tours, and community events that honor the city’s tradition of organized labor.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
