“Fortitude” or Lady Fortitude
- tourdeforcedc
- Apr 17
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 1
Donated by Delta Sigma Theta, Howard University
Visual Description
12 feet, 6 inches high. An outline female figure cut out of a thin sheet of metal walking forward, her arms swinging , an arm outraised in front of her, She has short straight hair, and is wearing a sleeveless dress, and is in heels. Placed on Fortitude Plaz on the Howard University campus.
Delta Sigma Theta description of the sculpture:
'"Lady Fortitude"
Called "Fortitude," the steel-fabricated sculpture, created by James King, stands 12 feet and 6 inches in height and has an amazing 12 feet arm to arm span. The sculpture symbolizes the attributes of strength, courage, hope, wisdom, beauty and femininity as depicted by the 22 Founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. The sculpture is located on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C
The figure is shown pushing forward as the tension of her thighs portrays strength. Her outreached hand denotes receiving of love and the giving of oneself to others. Her facial features depict courage and determination. Her color tone represents the glorious gradations of pigmentations of the Black woman. The total form not only denotes fortitude but stands to inspire women, in particular Black women, to move forcefully to meet the challenges of life.
The sculptor James King is one of the nation's most gifted sculptors. He was born in Chicago and was educated at a number of elite universities around the world, including The Art Institute of Chicago, Goethe Institute and The University of Vienna.
Background
Delta Sigma Theta is one of the nation’s preeminent historically black women’s sorority, open to college educated women. Founded in 1913 by 22 women at Howard University, it now has 350,000 members worldwide.
The sculpture was donated by the Delta Sigma Theta sorority in 1979, and serves as the symbol of the sorority. It honors the 22 women who founded the sorority in 1913 at Howard.
Prompts for Closer Looking
What kind of mood does the work convey, and how does the artist achieve this effect?
Give particular attention to the outstretched left arm: what messages are communicated by this form?
How inclusive is the sculpture in your judgement? How do you interpret the hair style of the woman?What other hair styles might have been included
Learning Resources
On the sorority:
Standing 12 feet and six inches tall, carved from bronze, and radiating warmth like sun-kissed earth. She stands still with a purpose. Like a rooted oak tree, she withstands every season of struggle and triumph. She does not stain and she does not fade, she stands powerfully and gracefully, echoing the strength and care of women. Her arms are outstretched, one reaching forward toward prosperity, the other swept back, pulling up those behind her. There's no facial detail to define her, no eyes, no mouth—yet her presence speaks louder than words. Standing proud on the campus of Howard University, she is a woman; the woman, every woman, she is Fortitude.
Lady Fortitude profoundly represents Black female strength. In a society…