All Power to All People Public Artwork On Display In DC

WASHINGTON, DC — A new piece of public artwork by conceptual artist Hank Willis Thomas is now on display at the headquarters of Human Rights Campaign at 1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W.

Standing approximately 28-feet tall, All Power to All People combines the Afro pick and the Black Power salute, which together symbolize community, strength, perseverance, comradeship, and justice, with the aim of inspiring action and demanding social change.

“The Human Rights Campaign is proud to host another incredibly powerful work of art from Hank Willis Thomas,” said HRC President Alphonso David, in a release. “All Power to All People is a dynamic work that speaks to the history, culture and future of Black people in this country. As we are continuing to push for racial equity across the country, to have this installation coincide with the anniversary of the March on Washington only makes it more poignant. The strength of Black people, including Black LGBTQ people, cannot be overstated. Donald Trump will feel our power in November.”

HRC is the country's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization. The installation will run through Aug. 28, with the closing weekend coinciding with the 57th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, at which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.

"We hope this artwork will serve as a reminder of our D.C. values of promoting inclusivity and equality for all our residents,” said Sheila Alexander-Reid, director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, in a release. “D.C. will continue to be on the front lines in defending and promoting the rights of our LGBTQ community.”

After leaving D.C., All Power to All People will continue onto other locations across the country. The goal is to maintain the momentum of protests for racial equity in the lead up to the U.S. presidential election in November, offering a platform for local civic leaders and activists.