Overcome Sculpture, Greensboro

The Overcome sculpture is a poignant tribute to the bravery and resilience of the participants of the Greensboro Sit-ins, a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement. As part of a larger art project initiated by The United Arts Council, The International Civil Rights Center and Museum, and Action Greensboro's synerG Group, the Overcome sculpture stands as one of eight coffee-cup sculptures scattered across the city. These sculptures collectively honor the courageous actions of the four men who initiated the sit-ins at the Woolworth lunch counter in 1960.

Created by artist Rodney Bennett, the Overcome sculpture is situated on the Melvin Municipal Building lawn on South Greene Street, serving as a tangible reminder of the enduring legacy of the civil rights struggle. The sculpture features a coffee cup adorned with a powerful quote by Ambrose Redmoon: "Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear." This quote encapsulates the spirit of the sit-in participants, who faced immense challenges and opposition but remained steadfast in their commitment to justice and equality.

Through its thought-provoking message and artistic expression, the Overcome sculpture invites viewers to reflect on the significance of the Greensboro Sit-ins and the broader struggle for civil rights. It serves as a symbol of hope, resilience, and the power of collective action in confronting injustice and inspiring positive change.