Lexington Park in St. Mary's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The African American Monument In Elmer Brown Freedom Park
The Monument, a project of Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions of St. Mary's County, was dedicated On July 29, 2000, Its purpose is to serve as an external reminder of the contributions of African Americans to the growth and development of St. Mary's County. The Symbolism of the monument evolved from a community of people who persevered to make a dream a reality.
The Pyramid, constructed of stone and mortar, symbolizes creativity, survival, strength, and multicultural participation in the building of community in St. Mary's County. This foundation reminds us that we stand on the backs and shoulders of the many who came before us.
The Choice of Natural Stone was inspired by the hymn “Rough Side of the Mountain" by Reverend Faircloth “F.C.” Barnes. The stone and the shape of the monument represent the difficult struggles African Americans endured in their lives, “climbing the rough side of the mountain” to get to the other side. The stones in all sizes and shapes represent the diverse accomplishments of all people… rich and poor, known and unknown.
The Eternal Flame -- At the top of the monument is an eternal flame, A continuous beacon commemorating the accomplishments of African Americans in St. Mary's County: past, present and future.
The Plaques - The six pedestals with bronze plaques surrounding the pyramid invite you into the monument to read and reflect on the monumental contributions of African Americans to the county. The community and the county was founded, developed and continues to grow through the effort of many people. The plaques honor African American contributions in the areas of religion, farming, trades, domestic service, education, business, industry, community service, arts, entertainment, health, sports, government, politics, law enforcement, military service, and technology.
A Long Process and many helping hands Interested community members first met on June 30, 1994 to form the group which became Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions (UCAC). This meeting was inspired by founder Elmer Brown's vision. The goal was the erection of a monument. Many individuals were involved in the realization of Mr. Brown's vision, including UCAC members and Board of Directors, and the Board of County Commissioners. Together the planners, builders, writers, and community supporters established this enduring tribute to the contributions of the African American community to St. Mary's County, the "Mother County" of Maryland.
“We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-dicipline, and effort”
Jesse Owens
"Rough Side of the Mountain"
by Rev. F. C. Barnes
Verse 1:
Oh Lord, I'm strivin',
tryin' to make it through this barren land,
but as I go from day to day,
I can hear my Savior say,
"trust me child, come on and hold my hand."
Chorus:
I'm comin' up on the rough side of the mountain,
I must hold to God, His powerful hand.
I'm comin' up on the rough side of the mountain,
I'm doin' my best to make it in.
I Dream A World
I dream a world where man
No other man will scorn,
Where love will bless the earth
And peace its paths adorn
I dream a world where all
Will know sweet freedom's way,
Where greed no longer saps the soul
Nor avarice blights our day.
A world I dream where black or white,
Whatever race you be,
Will share the bounties of the earth
And every man is free,
Where wretchedness will hang its head
And joy, like a pearl,
Attends the needs of all mankind-
Of such I dream, my world!
Langston Hughes
Erected by Unified Committee for AfroAmerican Contributions of St. Mary's County (UCAC).
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: African Americans.
Location. 38° 15.912′ N, 76° 27.097′ W. Marker is in Lexington Park, Maryland, in St. Mary's County. Marker is at the intersection of Tulagi Place and Three Notch Road on Tulagi Place. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 21725 Tulagi Place, Lexington Park MD 20653, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Welcome to the African American Monument of St. Mary's County (a few steps from this marker); Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Architectural Significance of the First Lexington Park Community (approx. 0.3 miles away); Lexington Park (approx. 0.3 miles away); St. Mary’s County and U.S. Navy History (approx. 0.3 miles away); Navy Base Arrives (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Great Depression and New Opportunities (approx. 0.3 miles away); Two Worlds / One County (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lexington Park.
Also see . . . Unified Committee for AfroAmerican Contributions. UCAC Website. (Submitted on January 24, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 13, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 24, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 486 times since then and 26 times this year. Last updated on January 21, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 24, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.