Freedom's Frontier

This Kansas City, Missouri, fountain pays tribute to the unique cultural contributions of the metro area's African-American residents.

In 1977, City Councilman Bruce R. Watkins organized the Spirit of Freedom Foundation to develop a monument to the contributions of African-Americans in Kansas City. Richard Hunt, a black Chicago sculptor, presented an abstract model to reflect the symbolic nature of the subject. He also noted that it was in keeping with the improvisational aspects of Kansas City jazz. The fountain was dedicated in 1981 exactly one year after Watkins' death.

Kansas City's Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center is also named for the late councilman.