Reviewed by: Audrey Johnson
New statues unveiled at William Hooper Councill Park
Four new statues were dedicated at Huntsville’s William Hooper Councill Park this week, marking the completion of the $1.65 million park, which opened on St. Clair Avenue in Downtown Huntsville in 2020.
The William Hooper Councill School Alumni Association spearheaded the ceremony and dedication of the statues.
New statues at William Hooper Councill Park
William Hooper Councill Park is located on the site of the former Councill School — Huntsville’s first public school for African-American students — which opened in 1867 and closed in the 1960s.
The statues, commissioned by the City of Huntsville and created by artist Dan Burch, stand in tribute to the hundreds of children who attended the school.
The children are depicted approaching a columned arch that represents the entrance to the school. On the other side of the arch stands the statue of Dr. William Hooper Councill, for whom the school was named.
A former slave, Councill went on to become a lawyer, newspaper editor, legislator, Alabama Supreme Court Justice and founder of Alabama A&M University.
“These statues are a beautiful addition to the park, reflecting the site’s history as a place of learning while also underscoring the vital importance of access and equality in education.”
Mayor Tommy Battle
‘This is Huntsville history’
William Hooper Councill park was a project aimed at honoring the outstanding contributions Councill made — not only to the African-American community, but to Huntsville and the entire state.
Landscape architect Chad Bostick worked with the City of Huntsville and the William Hooper Councill Alumni Association to create a site plan to recognize the footprint of the school building and illuminate its interior spaces. Bricks and materials salvaged from the original structure were used throughout the project.
“We are not just here to remember Black history. This is Huntsville history; what you have done and the generational impact you have made is the reason Huntsville is the number one city in this nation. You are not a blip, you are the base.”
Devyn Keith, Huntsville City Council District 1
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