As Chicago rethinks its monuments, an artist surrounds George Washington with ‘Other Washingtons’

By Jacqui Palumbo, CNNChicago (CNN) — In Chicago, a lone statue of George Washington is now surrounded by “Other Washingtons,” which take the form of blue flags bearing the faces of Black Americans who bear the same last name. They include a range of notable figures and local heroes, such as the inventor George Washington Carver, Academy Award-winner Denzel Washington, architect Roberta Washington, and South Side school band leader Benjamin Washington. This year, its Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is unveiling a spate of new artist commissions, called the Chicago Monuments Project. “Other Washingtons” is one of eight commissions planned across the city as part of the Chicago Monuments Project, which has received $6.8 million from the Mellon Foundation. Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson, who spoke at the opening of “Other Washingtons,” hopes that the city can set an example through the Chicago Monuments Project.