Black Madonna Statue at University of Detroit Mercy
In 1968 the University of Detroit created the Special Projects Office to assists students who had been considered unprepared to successfully negotiate the college curriculum. The Project 100 students in the program met and discussed the need for the University to become more relevant to black students. These discussions led to the decision by the students that a statue of the Black Madonna and Child would be a symbolic representation of their presence on campus. When they met with Rev. Malcolm Carron, President of the University, he informed them that the University traditionally depends on the generosity of its benefactors for all art objects. He encouraged them to initiate their own campaign for the necessary cost to erect the Madonna.
The students commissioned a sculptor, Gino Testaguzzi, and raised $2500 to cast the six-foot bronze statue. The statue was dedicated on September 21, 1969 in the presence of over 400 representatives of all faiths, nationalities and colors. His Eminence John Cardinal Dearden, Archbishop of Detroit, was principal speaker at the unveiling. At the conclusion of the short service, Cardinal Dearden pointed to the statue: “It symbolizes black culture helping to represent artistically the fullness of Christianity”
The original location for the statue was in front of the Briggs building. It has since been relocated between Briggs and Commerce & Finance Buildings. In my opinion, that is a better place for it because it is a quieter place where you can contemplate its beauty and significance on a more personal level. Of all the artwork on campus, the Black Madonna and Child, is my own personal favorite.
Pat Higo, Archives and Special Collections Libraraian
