Boundless Promise in “Unbound,”Sculpture by Harmonia Rosales on Boston’s Freedom Trail

“Unbound” was unveiled outside King’s Chapel on Tremont Street in mid-September, but my first visit was late December. Today my goal is to share photos, links and quotes that lead you there, in person if possible. Soon I hope to learn enough to post a worthy sequel.

“There is a glorious sight at the corner of School and Tremont Streets, in the courtyard of historic King’s Chapel, that makes a monumental statement about the church’s history with slavery. The 14-foot sculpture “Unbound” is part of the chapel’s Memorial to Enslaved Persons, an initiative acknowledging that early congregants and clergy engaged in slavery and slave trading and recognizing the humanity of the people who were stripped of their liberty.” (quote from Unbound: King’s Chapel Unveils New Memorial to Enslaved Persons )

““Unbound” has a commanding presence in the King’s Chapel courtyard; she is like an African diasporic matriarchal figure. Wearing a flowing, white garment, she sits holding a bird cage with its door open, giving the fowl the opportunity to take their freedom. A few birds gather at her feet in front and behind her. There is a bird atop the cage, as well as some perched on the chapel building behind her. ” ( quote from City of Boston: Unbound King’s Chapel )

“Stewarded for the church by MASS Design Group and created by Los Angeles-based artist Harmonia Rosales, it was officially unveiled on Sunday, Sept. 14…..”She’s stoic,” Rosales said. “I wanted her to embody the idea of a protector, but also someone who would be able to lead us forward, and to heal.”” ( quote from To acknowledge past wrongs, a new sculpture at historic King’s Chapel byMurray Whyte)

“Since the genesis of her career, Harmonia Rosales’s main artistic concern has focused on Black female empowerment in Western culture, depicting and honoring the African diaspora.” (quote from Harmonia Rosales artist)

“King’s Chapel broadly reflects the foundation and contradictions of America as a whole,” Rosales said. “I wanted people to stop in awe, not just stop in curiosity, but see her beauty in complete natural form,” Rosales said. “I want people to have a sense of just being seen.”(quote from King’s Chapel unveiling first-of-its-kind statue to honor people enslaved by its forebears: WGBH )