Solomon Northup Statue Arrives Ahead of January Unveiling; Weekend Events Announced

A bronze sculpture honoring Solomon Northup arrived in Marksville at 1:00 a.m. this morning, marking the beginning of a historic weekend for Avoyelles Parish. Over the next several days, the sculptor and his team will be onsite for installation at the Avoyelles Parish Courthouse.

The unveiling is scheduled for Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. on the courthouse plaza at 312 N. Main Street, Marksville, LA 71351. The statue, titled Hope Out of Darkness, stands on the very ground where Solomon Northup regained his freedom on January 4, 1853. The site is adjacent to the Solomon Northup historical marker, placed in 2018, and near the location where Samuel Bass mailed the letters that led to Northup’s rescue.

Solomon Northup, author of the 1853 memoir Twelve Years a Slave, remains a pivotal figure in American history. His narrative inspired the 1984 film Solomon Northup’s Odyssey and the Academy Award–winning 2014 film 12 Years a Slave, which brought renewed attention to his story.

Renowned Emmy- and Oscar-winning sculptor Wesley Wofford, FNSS, was selected to create the bronze monument.
Wofford describes his vision:

“As the viewer sees Hope Out of Darkness from a distance, the sculpture emanates an intelligent, free, American citizen, leading the way to a more equitable future with a raised torch. But as one moves closer and experiences the sculpture in the round, the viewer will discover the pathos and tragedy of Solomon Northup’s story.”

Funding for the project comes from private contributions, corporate sponsorships, and public support, including grants from the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, the Lieutenant Governor’s Office, and the Louisiana Office of Tourism.

Schedule of Events

January 3 – Film Screening

On January 3rd at 6:30 p.m., organizers will host a screening of 12 Years a Slave.
The event will feature several actors from the film along with descendants of Solomon Northup. The actors will give a brief talk about their experiences working on the project before the screening.
Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance.

January 4 – Unveiling Day

• Morning: La Petite Café will be open for brunch.
• 2:00 p.m.: The official unveiling ceremony begins. The program will feature several speakers, a violinist, and a performance by a dance team from Dance Factory.
• Avoyelles Arts Council Gallery: Open before and after the ceremony, displaying photographs and historical artifacts related to the event.

Additional events include a discussion at LSUA, an event at the Epps Plantation, and a GeoCache tour. These activities will be listed on the website as they are finalized.

Official Media Announcement

What: Solomon Northup Statue Unveiling
When: Sunday, January 4, 2026 – 2:00 p.m.
Where: Avoyelles Parish Courthouse, 312 N. Main Street, Marksville, LA 71351
Why: Preserving the Solomon Northup Legacy — regained his freedom from this location on January 4, 1853

The public is warmly invited to attend this moment of profound significance.

More Information

For additional details, visit the Solomon Northup Committee for Commemorative Works at:
👉 www.snccw.com

Event logistics inquiries: msgoudeau22@gmail.com
Media inquiries: mhowell.snccw@gmail.com