The State of Kansas authorized the creation of a mural honoring its first Black Civil War regiment. Here is how the Kansas Reflector reported the story:
On Monday, Gov. Laura Kelly signed bills authorizing plans for a mural honoring the 1st Kansas Colored Voluntary Infantry Regiment and the placement of a life-size Ad Astra sculpture on Statehouse grounds.
Both projects have been long-anticipated. Plans for a mural honoring the 1st Kansas Colored unit have been in the works since 2000, when state law stipulated the Kansas state historical society and the department of administration work together to develop a mural, following Statehouse repairs and renovations. The project was stalled because of funding issues.
The regiment was the first Black regiment to be organized in a northern state and the first Black unit to see combat during the Civil War. The mural is meant to symbolize courage, strength and the ongoing struggle toward equality.
“This mural is about honoring those who gave their last full measure of devotion and ultimate sacrifice to serving the United States of America,” said Rep. Valdenia Winn, a Kansas City Democrat and member of the Capitol Preservation Committee. “A mural honoring this regiment will not only honor the sacrifices of the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry but will also further recognize Kansas’ role in holding the union together. This story and its inspiration are more relevant than ever today — and long overdue.”
With Kelly’s signing of Senate Bill 39, the Capitol Preservation Committee will begin raising funds and searching for an artist to create the mural.
Note: Flag of the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry shown in feature photo.
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