Anna Merriman, Curbed: Philadelphia
Smith Playground Summer Camp participants, and Boys and Girls Club members take the first photos in from of the “MVP” Ora Washington statue. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY). Featured Image
Philly’s first-ever statue of a freestanding African American girl was unveiled this week in West Passyunk’s Smith Playground.
Smith Playground Summer Camp participants, and Boys and Girls Club members take the first photos in from of the “MVP” Ora Washington statue. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY). Featured Image
The statue, which is called MVP, was created by Brian McCutcheon in honor of the city’s 60th Anniversary of the Percent for Art Programs. It’s inspired by athlete Ora Washington and depicts a girl playing basketball. “(The statue) represents the power and potential of young girls, exemplifying the pursuit of success through dedication and hard work,” according to a statement from the city. An African American sports legend, Washington played for the Philadelphia Tribunes basketball team from 1931 to 1943 and was the American Tennis Association’s National Women’s Tennis Champion every year from 1925 to 1937.
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