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"Journey of Hope" design to bring message of hope, equality and freedom to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Veronica S. Shoemaker Blvd intersection

It took three votes, and roughly an hour of debate, but a design by multimedia artist Cecilia Lueza that embodies the concepts of dreams, hope and civil rights will be constructed at the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Veronica S. Shoemaker Boulevards.

The design won in a 6-4 vote on Monday, January 24. The selection committee was composed of members of Fort Myers’ Public Art Committee and representatives of the Community Redevelopment Agency , T he Lee County Black History Society , and the Dunbar community.

Lueza is an Argentine American artist and sculptor living in St. Petersburg, Florida. She has been working on a variety of public art projects since 2000 and says that the “place-making” aspect of the gateway artwork project drew her to submit a design.

“I want to inspire the public, too," said Lueza. "I want them to look at this artwork and feel uplifted, inspired, and feel like they can also achieve all their dreams if they persist enough.”

Lueza says the goal of the sculpture, tentatively titled “Journey of Hope,” is to capture achievement of justice and equality. Achievements accomplished by Southwest Florida’s own visionary Veronica Shoemaker.

“The sculpture is composed of two main pieces," said Lueza. "Once is a profile of an African American woman. She’s looking up with determination, with yearning and determination in her eyes as a way to symbolize hope and dreams of our future.”

The element that helps the sculpture really pop from the lush, green landscape surrounding it is a sunburst background for the woman’s profile. Lueza says the backdrop symbolizes the arrival of a new day, where equality and freedom will prevail.

“The title of the piece is “ Journey of Hope, ” so the sunburst will be a clear realization of the final destination," said Lueza.

Overall, the installation will stand about 20 feet tall. And since the site for the gateway artwork has no electrical hook-ups, Lueza plans to install a 200-watt self-sustained solar lighting system with LED fixtures to illuminate the sculpture after the sun sets.

The cost of the sculpture, including the artist’s fee, is $98,500.

Charles Barnes, Chairman of The Lee County Black History Society , voted in favor of Lueza’s design. He says he feels “very good” about the sculpture and the impact it’ll have on Black youth in Southwest Florida.

“Our kids always need those things to inspire them, always need those things that talks about the history, the legacy of us as a people," said Barnes.

"It’s just wonderful that these things are happening, so our youth can definitely keep just getting the knowledge and getting that history about the accomplishment that we did locally and also nationally.”

The gateway sculpture is scheduled to be fabricated and installed late this spring or early summer.

WGCU is your trusted source for news and information in Southwest Florida. We are a nonprofit public service, and your support is more critical than ever. Keep public media strong and  donate now . Thank you.

• A call to artists to connect Dunbar and Fort Myers at the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Veronica S. Shoemaker Blvd

Home — Essay Samples — Geography & Travel — Journey — Coming to America: A Narrative of a Journey of Hope

Coming to America: a Narrative of a Journey of Hope

• Categories: Journey

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Words: 550 |

Published: Feb 7, 2024

Words: 550 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Table of contents

The decision to immigrate, the farewell, the arrival, the initial struggles, the sense of wonder, the american dream realized.

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Mandisa remembered. Fans, music industry, friends pay tribute to 47-year-old singer

Grammy-award winning musician and "American Idol" alum Mandisa was found dead at her Nashville home on Thursday.

The 47-year-old Christian singer dazzled audiences when she hit the stage of "American Idol" in 2005 and made it through to the final nine. From there she released her debut album, but dealt with pain from the loss of a beloved friend and having a personal crisis of faith. Her journey through heartache and depression to finding her faith again inspired many that were going through similar situations.

"Mandisa was a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all around the world," was written on an Instagram post announcing Mandisa's death.

Since the news of her death, family, fans and friends in and out of the music industry, have paid tribute to the singer.

What happened to Mandisa?

On Friday, The Media Collective, Mandisa's rep, issued this statement confirming her death, but did not disclose how the songstress died.

"We can confirm that yesterday Mandisa was found in her home deceased. At this time we do not know the cause of death or any further details. We ask for your prayers for her family and close-knit circle of friends during this incredibly difficult time."

Mandisa's story and journey to 'Overcome' touched many

Mandisa crisis of faith was an inspiration not only for an album, but inspired others who were going though hardship. Fans shared their stories on the Instagram post announcing her death.

"I’m devastated 💔💔💔 Overcomer help me healed when I loss my daughter at 16. She gave hope even when she didn’t have any to give herself. Mandisa is truly one of God’s Devine. I hope she finally has the peace she struggled so long to find. We have truly really loss one of God’s truest and purest creatures… I love you now and forever on Mandisa. God speed on your journey to heaven….," wrote user keishacraftsmith.

Other's shared how her music and writing helped them through some of the toughest times in their lives. Actress Candace Cameron Bure shared broken heart emojis under the post, while Christian rap artist Wande offered condolences.

Fellow Christian musician and friend Colton Dixon, shared memories of being on the road with Mendisa and Toby Mac.

"Mandisa is the sweetest, kindest soul that  @anniedixon__  and I have met on the road. After hearing she went to be with the Jesus last night I was reflecting this morning on the times we had together," Dixon wrote.

Singer and songwriter Matthew West paid tribute to his longtime friend and collaborator with lyrics from their song "Only the World", stating that they "hit differently" now that Mandisa was gone.

"I am so incredibly saddened to hear about the loss of my friend Mandisa. I will always cherish the memories of times we spent together hosting award shows, going on tour, and most of all helping her tell her story in the songwriting room," West also wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts also paid tribute to the late singer.

"My heart is heavy hearing about Mandisa. Incredibly blessed that she was there my first day back on ⁦ @GMA ⁩ following my long medical leave. Her beautiful music & spirit lifted me and countless others," Roberts wrote on X.

Fellow musician Don Moen provided a statement to The Tennessean, saying Mandisa was not only a powerhouse of a talent, but that she also possessed a genuinely kind spirit.

"We ministered together several times, she sang background vocals on my album 'Thank You Lord' and joined me on several tours," the statement read. "On one particular tour, notes kept appearing in everyone's bunk on the bus or in their instrument cases. These were encouraging messages like: 'You are blessed and highly favored,' or 'You're such a blessing on this tour.' Only at the end of the tour did we discover it had been Mandisa. Whether behind the scenes or center stage, her presence always brought joy and hope.

Where was Mandisa from?

Mandisa was born in California, but her home was in Tennessee.

She graduated Fisk University in Nashville in 2000 and was a member of the famed Fisk University Jubilee singers. She called Tennessee home after her graduation, through her "American Idol" tenure, a Grammy win, multiple albums and until her death on Thursday.