The Monument to Honor Black Patriots aims to honor and acknowledge the overlooked history of the African American community in early Maryland, the majority of whom were free Blacks. The monument will communicate that the history of African Americans in Maryland begins with the free and indentured Black passengers on the Ark and the Dove’s original 1634 landing.

Over 150 Maryland African Americans, a minority of whom were enslaved people, are known to have enlisted and served in the Revolutionary War. Their existence and contribution have been largely unknown in Maryland's public history. With the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, and in coordination with the MD250 Commission, Maryland has the opportunity to honor these soldiers and their military service to the creation of this nation. The concept for such a memorial artwork was initially proposed by Steven X. Lee the author of ‘The Story of Mr. Thomas Carney - A Maryland Patriot of the American Revolutionary War.’ Carney was one of many Maryland African Americans, who enlisted and served in integrated units during the Revolutionary War. Just like their white counterparts, the Black Patriots traveled with an army that included free and enslaved women and children who were integral to its functioning. Their contributions have been overlooked in historical narratives. Their legacy is but one of the omitted chapters in the heritage of early Maryland’s extensive Black community.

The purpose of the sculpture is to honor these unsung Patriots who were members of the Continental Army community and to expand public understanding of the people who contributed to the fight for American independence. This monument should celebrate the contributions of Maryland’s free Black population to our State and Country through figurative depictions and the selected artist's interpretation.

The State House Trust, the Commission on Artistic Property (of the Maryland State Archives), the Department of General Services, and the Maryland Public Art Commission (of the Maryland State Arts Council) are pleased to announce a Request for Qualifications from artists, or teams of artists (hereafter, “artists” shall mean individuals and/or teams of artists) with experience in figurative sculptural artwork to design and create a memorial to honor Black Patriots who served in the American Revolutionary War. Once identified, qualified artists will then be invited to submit proposals to be considered for commissioned work to create a monument that will be located on the grounds of the Maryland State House.