Students, Faculty, Staff and Alumni Unite to Preserve Founder's Legacy

The William Hooper Councill Statue and Memorial Plaza is more than just a striking landmark; it’s a symbol of the University's rich heritage and the enduring legacy of its founder. As the University celebrates the 20th anniversary of this iconic statue during Homecoming Week, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the journey that brought this tribute to life.

For two decades, the statue has been a gathering spot for visiting families, a backdrop for graduation photos, and a poignant reminder of the University's origins. Although it may seem as if the statue has always been a part of the campus, the idea to honor Councill with a monument only came to fruition in 2004.

The vision for a statue honoring Councill, the former slave who founded Alabama A&M University in 1875, began taking shape more than 80 years after his death in 1909. The idea first gained momentum in 1992 when Chekiba Holman spearheaded an initiative as sophomore class president to erect a monument in Councill’s honor. Backed by a small team of artists, faculty, staff, and a modest $10,000, Holman embarked on an ambitious $80,000 project to bring the statue to life. Despite their efforts, the project stalled after Holman’s graduation.

The dream was reignited in 1999 by LaSisi Mike Osaji, a sophomore majoring in industrial technology, who proposed a powerful design featuring Councill depicted in chains on one side and in his customary suit on the other. However, academic priorities delayed the project once again.

In 2003, the project gained new life when Dr. Dorothy W. Huston, Vice President for Research and Development; Jerome Saintjones, Public Relations Director; and Georgia S. Valrie, Director Emeritus of Development & Alumni Affairs, formed a committee to bring a memorial to campus. After securing more than $100,000 through personal appeals to alumni, they commissioned Birmingham-based sculptor Branko Medenica to create the statue. 

Medenica’s process was meticulous. Starting with a steel framework, he layered Styrofoam and chicken wire before shaping Councill’s form in clay. The final bronze statue, finished at Sincerus Bronze Art Center in Indianapolis, stands today as a symbol of resilience and dedication.

The project quickly expanded from a simple statue to an entire memorial plaza, symbolizing the vision and sacrifice of Councill. On Saturday, October 9, 2004, during Homecoming Week, the William Hooper Councill Memorial Plaza was formally dedicated, marking a significant moment in Alabama A&M University’s history.

“This is truly one of the historical highlights of Alabama A&M University as it embarks upon its 130th year of existence,” said Huston at the dedication ceremony. “Our founder sacrificed much for this magnificent institution, and your presence at this program is a testament to our gratitude. While conceived decades ago by a number of different people, the idea was a seed that continued to grow. Today, we are proud to unveil the personification of our unwavering devotion to and appreciation for our founder’s legacy.”

For Valrie, who played a crucial role in the project’s success, the memorial plaza represents the culmination of years of dedication and collaboration. “At the dedication ceremony, I was overjoyed to know that I contributed to erecting the statue of our founder, Dr. William Hooper Councill. It is a contribution that I will always cherish,” she said.

Valrie explained that the committee’s enthusiasm and dedication sparked excitement among alumni, leading to an overwhelming response that surpassed their fundraising goals. “The plaza symbolizes the vision of Dr. William Hooper Councill, an ex-slave who made many personal sacrifices to establish an institution of higher learning for African Americans. Because of Dr. Councill’s legacy, Alabama A&M University is positioning itself to become the premier HBCU in Alabama and the world.”

Saintjones echoed this sentiment, describing the monument as a bridge connecting A&M's past with its future. “Since its erection 20 years ago, the plaza has been a central gathering place for thousands of students, alumni, and visitors. It also captures the collective visions of many who were inspired by the concept but who are no longer with us.”

As the University celebrates this milestone, the William Hooper Councill Memorial Plaza stands as a testament to the perseverance, vision, and unity of the Alabama A&M University community, and a lasting tribute to the man who laid the foundation for generations to come.

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