Assembly Resolution No. 794

BY: M. of A. Woerner

COMMEMORATING the unveiling of the Solomon Northup
sculpture "Hope Out of Darkness" as a historic
milestone

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body recognizes the importance of telling
our State's full and inclusive history and is committed to honoring the
experiences, struggles, and triumphs of all New Yorkers, especially
those whose voices have historically been silenced; and

WHEREAS, Solomon Northup, a free Black man born in Minerva, New
York, in 1807, was living and working in Saratoga Springs when he was
kidnapped, sold into slavery, and held in brutal captivity for 12 years
in Louisiana; and

WHEREAS, Solomon Northup's harrowing journey-documented in his
landmark memoir Twelve Years a Slave-became one of the most powerful
first-person accounts of American slavery and continues to educate,
move, and challenge readers nearly two centuries later; and

WHEREAS, Solomon Northup's story has left an indelible mark on our
nation's conscience, brought vividly to life through the television film
"Solomon Northup's Odyssey" (1984), the United States Department of
State's documentary "Journey to Freedom" (2012), and the Oscar-winning
film "12 Years A Slave" (2013); and

WHEREAS, The legacy of Solomon Northup has been further honored in
powerful exhibitions such as "The Transformative Power of the Narrative,
Solomon Northup" (2014) in the Hall of Governors at the New York State
Capitol, and "The People of New York" (2019), both of which spotlight
the contributions of African Americans to our shared story; and

WHEREAS, The Saratoga Spa State Park has become the honored host of
the first-ever bronze sculpture of Solomon Northup; and

WHEREAS, The powerful bronze sculpture-titled "Hope Out of
Darkness"- was created by acclaimed artist Wesley Wofford, FNSS, and was
commissioned by the Solomon Northup Committee for Commemorative Works of
Louisiana, whose unwavering dedication helped bring this vision to life;
and

WHEREAS, After its time in New York, "Hope Out of Darkness" will
continue its journey to its permanent home in Marksville, Louisiana,
where Solomon Northup endured years of enslavement before reclaiming his
freedom; this significant location ensures that his legacy continues to
resonate in the very place where justice was most denied; and

WHEREAS, This sculpture's unveiling will occur on Thursday, July 10,
2025, on what would have been Solomon Northup's 218th birthday, linking
the past and present with a powerful call to truth, healing, and
historical reckoning; and

WHEREAS, The "Hope Out of Darkness" sculpture will stand as a
memorial to inspire all citizens and visitors of New York to honor lives

like Solomon Northup's with dignity and inspire learning, remembrance,
and unity as we strive to build a future informed by the full breadth of
our past; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
proudly commemorate the unveiling of the Solomon Northup sculpture "Hope
Out of Darkness" as a historic milestone.