June 30th 2025.
Several Black lawmakers in Florida were taken aback after learning that the “Circle of Chains” memorial, a powerful representation of the state's dark history of slavery, had finally been placed outside the Capitol building. According to reports from the Florida Phoenix, the memorial was initially approved seven years ago, but its recent installation caught many legislators by surprise.
The project was first introduced in 2018 during a legislative session led by Democratic representatives Kionne McGhee and Darryl Rouson. The bill tasked the Department of Management Services with overseeing the design, placement, and cost of the memorial. However, current leaders were unaware that the project had been completed. This came as a shock to Miami-Dade County Democratic Rep. Ashley Gantt, who admitted to having "no idea." Meanwhile, Miami-Dade County Sen. Shevrin Jones shared similar sentiments but also expressed excitement about the memorial's placement. "I had no idea the memorial had even been installed – and that says a lot," Jones said.
As a symbol of the pain and resilience of enslaved Africans, the memorial holds great significance and deserves to be more prominently displayed. After seven years of hard work, many believe there should have been a public ceremony to honor its history and commemorate its installation. However, the memorial was quietly placed outside the Black Archives-Union Bank Museum on Apalachee Parkway, with $400,000 dedicated to curate the artwork. This powerful sculpture serves as a reminder of the brutality and cruelty of slavery, and pays tribute to the countless nameless individuals who suffered through it. Similar to other memorials, such as those honoring victims of the Holocaust, this artwork was designed to ensure that this dark chapter in history is never forgotten.
The installation of the memorial took place in early 2025, with a public ceremony attended by Governor Ron DeSantis. The Department of Management Services enlisted the help of renowned sculptor Steven Whyte from Carmel, California, to create the concrete memorial. Whyte described the sculpture as "rough, stained, and defiantly unpolished" on purpose, to highlight the "searing testament to pain, endurance, and the impossible weight of memory." He considers "Circle of Chains" to be his most powerful work yet, as it captures the essence of history by breathing life, lamenting, and reaching forward all at once. He shared his thoughts on Instagram, where he wrote, "A monument honoring the pain and resilience of enslaved Africans deserves more than a quiet placement. After seven years of work, there should have been a moment to honor that history publicly."
It wasn't until recently, after proper security cameras were installed, that Rouson learned of the memorial's placement. He now looks forward to organizing an official installation ceremony, with support from Democratic Senate Leader Lori Berman, who was also unaware that the memorial was open to the public. Berman stated, "I wholeheartedly support Sen. Rouson's efforts for a formal opening ceremony this fall – the enslaved men, women, and children who built this country deserve to have their experience remembered and their legacy honored." Jones also shares the sentiment and believes that our ancestors deserve to be seen and acknowledged. He too supports the motion for a formal opening ceremony, saying, "Our ancestors deserve to be seen and acknowledged."
The unveiling of the "Circle of Chains" memorial has brought to light the importance of recognizing and honoring the dark history of slavery in Florida. It serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles and sacrifices of those who came before us, and the legacy they have left behind. As we continue to work towards a more just and equal society, let us not forget the lessons of the past and strive to create a better future for all.
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