Trump Honors Black Icons with Statues in National Garden of Heroes

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump celebrated Black History Month on February 20, 2025, with a reception at the White House, announcing the addition of several renowned African American figures to the National Garden of American Heroes. Among those honored are late sports legends Kobe Bryant and Muhammad Ali, alongside civil rights leaders including Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin, Coretta Scott King, and Jackie Robinson.

During the ceremony, Trump highlighted the importance of recognizing these influential figures in American history, stating, “Today, we pay tribute to the generations of Black legends, champions, warriors, and patriots who helped drive our country forward to greatness. And you really are great, great people.” The National Garden, first proposed in 2020, aims to honor iconic figures through statues, busts, and plaques, though the specific site for the garden remains undetermined.

Inspired by his initial vision, Trump signed an executive order to create the garden with an aim to feature 250 statues that represent various heroes from diverse backgrounds, including civil rights leaders, scientists, and athletes. “We’ll honor hundreds of our greatest Americans to ever live, including countless Black American icons,” Trump said.

Kobe Bryant made a significant impact both on and off the basketball court; he was a five-time NBA champion, an 18-time All-Star, and a two-time Olympic gold medalist. His philanthropic efforts and mentorship have left a lasting legacy beyond sports. In his dedication to youth and women’s sports, Bryant also co-founded the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation, which supports underprivileged youth.

Similarly, Muhammad Ali is remembered as a cultural icon and a champion boxer. With a record of 56 wins, including 37 knockouts, he changed the landscape of professional sports or social activism. “He became the first man to win a world heavyweight title three times before passing away in 2016 at the age of 74,” Trump remarked.

Statues are anticipated to foster a sense of national pride while educating the public about the contributions of these leaders. The reception also included notable figures from various industries, such as golf legend Tiger Woods, who was humorously mentioned as being slated for future commemoration.

In addition to the sports figures, Trump acknowledged his commitment to engage Black political figures who supported him, including Republican Senator Tim Scott and Rep. John James. Trump is also considering bringing Alice Johnson, a prison reform advocate pardoned in 2020, into his administration for clemency issues.

The announcement marks a significant moment as it intertwines the observance of Black History Month with efforts to commemorate enduring contributions to American culture and society. While many of these leaders are already memorialized through various monuments, the National Garden is seen as a future tribute to their legacies.