Ed Hamilton Receives Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award

Ed Hamilton, known for his impressive public sculptures, has received a Human and Civil Rights Award from the National Education Association. Hamilton was selected for the Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award for his work in fostering knowledge of Black history and revealing its range and depth to all Americans despite race and heritage.

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Carter G. Woodson, a scholar and historian, founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, published books and journals about Black history, and initiated what is now Black History Month. He is revered as the “Father of Black History.” NEA jointly presents the Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award with the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.

Core Facts

Hamilton is best known for his public sculptures of “The Spirit of Freedom,” which honors the courage and sacrifice of African American soldiers and sailors during the Civil War, and “Amistad,” which recognizes the heroic example of the West African farmer Sengbe-Pieh, known as Joseph Cinque, who, after leading a revolt of Africans bound for slavery aboard the Amistad in 1839, triumphed in a court battle for his freedom and that of his shipmates, enabling them to return with him to Africa. His sculptures have made his work familiar throughout the United States.
After graduating from the Art Center School, now the Louisville School of Art, and while studying at the University of Louisville and Spalding College for certification as a public school teacher, Hamilton was employed by sculptor Barney Bright as a studio assistant, an experience that inspired him to turn his talent to large works celebrating history and heritage.
His powerful memorial works have resulted in a range of cultural activities that inform and instruct the public. Hamilton offers workshops, gives presentations in public schools, colleges, and cultural gatherings. He has taught sculpture at Jefferson Community College and serves on the boards of several museums.
He is the author of two books, The Birth of an Artist, A Journey of Discovery, which describes his youth in Louisville and the early development of his artistic gifts, and Creating the Lincoln Memorial at Waterfront Park, which delineates the process by which he brought into being his imposing Lincoln statue in Louisville with the surrounding bas-reliefs that tell the story of Abraham Lincoln’s life.

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Quotes

“Ed Hamilton is a gifted artist who brings history to life. His sculptures capture and pay tribute to powerful moments in African American history and culture while enriching the lives of those who view his work. We honor Hamilton’s spirit and talent.”

Dennis Van Roekel, NEA President