RUSSELLVILLE, Ky. (LEX 18) – A Lexington artist has been working for years to build a bronze statue for the city of Russellville in honor of one of their most historically prominent citizens.
Many people may not know who Alice Dunnigan is, but Amanda Matthews is working to change that. Dunnigan was a journalist and the first African-American woman to cover the White House.
“She was amazing at telling other people’s stories and being involved in journalism and civil rights, but her accomplishments aren’t widely known like they should be,” Matthews tells LEX 18.
Matthews and her husband Brad Connell were asked to turn Dunnigan’s likeness into a bronze statue. It was originally going to be on display in town but now the Newseum in Washington D.C. wants to display the artwork.
“It is such a fitting tribute to her for the sculpture to be going to Washington D.C. on Pennsylvania Avenue literally between the White House and the Capitol,” Matthews said.
She’s even more honored now that the statue of the brave journalist and woman of color will be on display to inspire young women and minorities.
The statue of Dunnigan will be unveiled at the Newseum on Sept 21.
