In the heart of Smyrna, Georgia, a new monument is set to rise, one that honors a woman whose name has long been connected to both a painful past and a legacy of resilience, activism, and progress.  The Fanny Williams statue, approved by the city’s Committee to Honor Fanny Williams, represents the culmination of years of advocacy to appropriately memorialize a figure who has often been overshadowed by history.  As the namesake of the infamous restaurant, Aunt Fanny’s Cabin, Williams’ story is complex, but her contributions to the community are undeniable.  The decision to erect a 3D statue of Williams, in front of Smyrna’s history museum, marks a new chapter for the city—one that seeks to acknowledge her for her civil rights activism and her work in opening Georgia’s first Black hospital.

This blog will take an in-depth look at the creative process behind the Fanny Williams 3D statue, exploring how the design came together, the significance of the materials used, and the story behind each artistic choice.  We’ll also dive into how custom metal letters were integrated into the memorial and the symbolism they carry in this important project.

Fanny Williams: A Legacy Rooted in Activism

Fanny Williams was more than the name behind a restaurant;  she was a powerful advocate for civil rights and healthcare in Georgia.  Born during a time when the opportunities for African Americans, particularly Black women, were severely limited, Williams fought to uplift her community.  Among her many contributions was her work in helping to establish Georgia’s first Black hospital in Cobb County in the 1940s, a pioneering institution that provided essential medical care to a population long underserved by the state’s segregated healthcare system.

The hospital not only addressed the immediate healthcare needs of Black residents but also became a symbol of empowerment and self-sufficiency in a segregated South.  Williams’ role in this, as an organizer and advocate, solidified her place in history as a trailblazer in the fight for racial justice and equality.

The city of Smyrna’s decision to commission a statue in Williams’ honor came after a long discussion about how best to recognize her contributions.  This decision took on added significance given that for years, her name was most often associated with Aunt Fanny’s Cabin, a restaurant with a controversial past, known for perpetuating harmful racial stereotypes.  With the statue, the city aims to reframe her legacy, celebrating the true essence of her life as a civil rights activist and community leader.

The Design Process: Bringing Fanny Williams’ Story to Life in Bronze and Metal

The final design for the Fanny Williams 3D statue was carefully crafted to reflect her powerful legacy.  Standing at five feet seven inches tall, the life-size bronze figure of Williams will portray her in a moment of action, holding a shovel—a nod to her labor and her role in building a better future for her community.  The shovel symbolizes the literal and metaphorical work that Williams put into creating change, whether it was through opening a hospital or advocating for the rights of Black Americans in Smyrna and beyond.

The design also includes an eight-foot-nine-inch perforated metal backdrop, which adds depth and context to the statue.  This backdrop will depict nurses from Georgia’s first Black hospital, visually connecting Williams to her most well-known contribution.  The decision to use perforated metal is both artistic and symbolic—it allows light to pass through, creating a dynamic interaction between the statue and its environment, as well as between the present and the past.  As the sun shifts, the shadows cast by the perforations will change, making the scene behind Williams come to life in a fluid and ever-changing way.

Originally, the backdrop design featured an image of the hospital itself, but after careful consideration, the design was altered to depict the nurses who worked there.  This shift in focus was intentional, highlighting the people who made the hospital a place of healing and care, rather than just its physical structure.  It also emphasizes the collaborative nature of Williams’ work—her efforts were not in isolation but were part of a broader community movement for equality.

Capturing Williams’ Image: Small Changes with Big Meaning

When it comes to designing a statue to honor a historical figure, accuracy and symbolism are paramount.  Several adjustments were made to the original design of the Fanny Williams statue to better capture her essence and significance.  The most notable changes involved her attire and facial expression, both of which were altered to create a more faithful representation of who she was.

One key change was the shortening of Williams’ hemline.  This decision was made not only for aesthetic reasons but to symbolize the practicality and action-oriented nature of Williams’ work.  She wasn’t someone who stood by passively—she was always on the move, always working to improve the lives of others.  By depicting her with a shorter hemline, the statue subtly conveys this sense of readiness and movement.

Another change was the removal of texture from Williams’ hair covering.  Initially, the design featured a more decorative headwrap, but after further consideration, it was decided to simplify the design.  This cleaner, more understated look allows the focus to remain on Williams herself, rather than on ornamental details.  It also reflects her humble and practical nature, qualities that were central to her work as an activist and organizer.

One of the most significant adjustments to the statue’s design was the inclusion of a smile on Williams’ face.  This choice was not made lightly;  it was added to portray the optimism and warmth that Williams was known for, even in the face of adversity.  Her smile reflects her deep belief in the possibility of change and her unwavering commitment to her community, despite the challenges she faced.

The Role of Custom Metal Letters: Crafting a Lasting Legacy

In addition to the statue itself, the memorial includes custom metal letters, a key design element that contributes both function and symbolism to the project.  These metal letters spell out Williams’ name and a brief description of her contributions, ensuring that her legacy is clearly communicated to all who visit the site.

The process of creating these metal letters required precision and craftsmanship.  Using CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining, the letters were cut from stainless steel, ensuring both durability and a polished, professional finish.  Stainless steel was chosen for its ability to withstand the elements—important for an outdoor installation—as well as for its sleek, modern appearance.  The letters needed to complement the bronze of the statue and the perforated metal backdrop, creating a cohesive visual language throughout the memorial.

After the letters were cut, they were sanded and polished to give them a smooth, reflective surface.  This attention to detail ensures that the letters will catch the light, adding another layer of interaction with the environment.  Whether visitors come during the day or evening, the letters will remain legible and striking, enhancing the overall impact of the memorial.

The letters will be mounted using hidden fasteners, maintaining a clean, minimalist appearance that doesn’t distract from the statue itself.  Their placement is designed to guide visitors’ attention toward the key elements of the memorial, inviting them to learn more about Williams’ life and legacy.

The Importance of Location: Smyrna’s History Museum as a Backdrop

The decision to place the Fanny Williams statue in front of Smyrna’s history museum is significant.  The museum, a repository of the city’s past, provides a fitting backdrop for a figure like Williams, whose contributions to Smyrna’s history are both deep and transformative.  By situating the statue in this space, the city is making a statement about its commitment to acknowledging all aspects of its history—not just the comfortable or familiar parts, but the complex and sometimes painful ones as well.

For years, Aunt Fanny’s Cabin, the restaurant that carried Williams’ name, was a point of controversy in Smyrna.  The restaurant, which closed in 1992, was criticized for perpetuating racial stereotypes, and the debate over how to properly memorialize Williams has been ongoing.  By erecting a statue of Williams in such a prominent location, the city is taking a step toward healing and reconciliation, while also celebrating her true legacy as a civil rights leader.

The green space in front of the museum provides a serene, reflective setting for the memorial.  Visitors will be able to approach the statue, read about Williams’ life, and contemplate her impact on the community.  The perforated metal backdrop, with its depiction of nurses from the Black hospital Williams helped to establish, ties the memorial not only to local history but to broader themes of racial justice and healthcare equity.

Conclusion: A Memorial to Remember and Inspire

The Fanny Williams 3D statue is more than just a monument to an individual;  it’s a symbol of the resilience, activism, and progress that Williams embodied throughout her life.  From the careful attention to detail in the design to the selection of materials that ensure the statue will stand the test of time, every element of this project reflects the significance of Williams’ contributions to Smyrna and beyond.

As the statue takes its place in front of Smyrna’s history museum, it will serve as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done in the fight for racial justice and equality.  But it will also inspire future generations, showing them what can be achieved through dedication, courage, and an unyielding belief in the power of community.

By honoring Williams in this way, Smyrna is not only correcting a historical wrong but also celebrating the spirit of activism that continues to shape our society today.  The Fanny Williams statue will stand as a confirmation to her life, her legacy, and the lasting impact she had on her community