First Native American girl to challenge the educational boundary lines to be honored in bronze

Who is Alice Piper? She is a woman living in Big Pine, California who did her part with the constitutional rights movement for Native Americans.

Alice Piper, among many others, wanted the same opportunity to learn as everyone else.  She wanted to go to her local school, but was denied the same opportunity because of her race.

There was a Native American school in the Big Pine School District, but was smaller with different curriculum specialized for Native Americans.  At the young age of 15, Alice Piper did not stand by waiting for someone else to change that, she took it upon herself to sue the school district for being unconstitutional in causing the children to go to a separate school.

The Statue Supreme Court ruled that the law was in violation of the 14^th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.  As a result, Alice Piper and all other Native American children were allowed to attend the public school.  Alice Piper and the Big Pine school district played a large role in the constitutional battle over Native Americans’ rights.

Big Pine school district has decided to have a statue built to honor Alice Piper as well as educate others of the history.  Pamela Jones, Big Pine School District Superintendent speaks of the need:  “We need awareness, education, and inspiration to encourage our students to treasure the gift of public education.”

Our search for a statue artist and foundry ended with Matt Glenn of Big Statues.  He became excited about our project from the very beginning, “We look forward to placing this statue for all to see, learn, and remember.”

The life-size bronze statue will be of Alice Piper holding books, as if she is ready to start school.  “We wanted her to be true to her contemporary time, yet still look like a Paiute girl,” says Pamela Jones about the statue.  

Matt Glenn has already produced multiple miniature versions of Alice Piper to help with the fundraising efforts.

For more information about Alice Piper, the statue, or to donate to this great cause, visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2030084756/1550446340?token=8d630b34.

Tags:

Alice Piper, Bronze Statue, memorial

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