Jonathan Cohen's photos with the keyword: Stephen Collins Foster

Stephen Collins Foster, the famous Pittsburgh-born songwriter, was known as the "Father of American Music" during the 19th century. He wrote over 300 songs including "Oh Susanna" and "My Old Kentucky Home." This bronze statue is one of Pittsburgh's best known monuments and its most controversial. It is located on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh across Forbes Avenue from the Stephen Foster Memorial. The work of art is composed of two figures: a seated Foster, with a notebook in hand, catching inspiration from a blind, toothless black slave sitting at his feet and strumming a banjo. At least since the African-American Civil Rights Movement, this statue of a white man and slave has periodically stirred public debate. Opponents claim it is inherently racist. Some historians counter that "Uncle Ned," the song whose composition is depicted, is actually one of the first anti-slavery songs, though a subtle one. In 2000, a citizen group petitioned the mayor to form a task force about the controversy. Some want a new statue. Others suggest that a placard be placed on the its base to explain why few white people took offensive a century ago about a sculpture of a slave sitting at a white man’s feet. Another controversy over the Foster and Ned statue involves Ned’s bare feet. Some claim that rubbing Ned’s "lucky big toe" brings good luck. The practice is even promoted in the article "Statue Burnishing Etiquette" on Roadside America.com: Your Online Guide to Offbeat Tourist Attractions.

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