UK BLACK Pride founder Phyll Opoku-Gyimah was honoured at a ceremony in Lambeth, south-east London as part of Historic England's “Immortalised” exhibition, which looks at statues and memorials in the UK.
Opoku-Gyimah's work was recognised with a statuette, which was created as part of a campaign to celebrate the achievements of 25 living women, PinkNews reports.
Speaking to PinkNews, Lady Phyll said it was “empowering” to see her work being recognised and highlighted the contributions of women of colour in the LGBT+ rights movement.
“There are so many women doing amazing work and I hope as the fantastic work of non zero one continues to grow the #PutHerForward project will get bet bigger and allow for more statues of diverse women with powerful stories.”
She continued: “But I can’t just accept the accolade without recognising and acknowledging the people that paved the way, especially women of colour, who have allowed me to amplify my voice, challenge and fight for equality and inclusion without apology.
“When I saw for the first time the unveiled statue of myself, I could not explain the overwhelming feelings that ran through me like a rollercoaster. Alll I know is that I am truly grateful and realise that my purpose it to ensure that our next generation can claim their space, feel visible, not erased and positively represented 365 days of the year, 24/7.”
The sandstone figurine was unveiled at the ceremony last Friday and was made as part of Put Her Forward—a campaign created by artistic collective non zero one—which has created 25 statues to recognise the the work of 25 living women across the UK.
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