The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs has selected six finalist proposals for a monument to jazz singer Billie Holiday in Queens, where she once lived and performed. The finalists—all Black artists from around the world—include Tavares Strachan, La Vaughn Belle, Tanda Francis, Nikesha Breeze, Thomas J Price, and Nekisha Durrett. Their designs range from realistic to abstract, with some focusing on Holiday's expressive face, her signature gardenia, or symbolic forms. The winning project will be announced this summer and installed near the Jamaica Performing Arts Center (JPAC).
This monument matters because it honors Holiday's enduring musical legacy and her courageous stand against racial discrimination, notably through her song "Strange Fruit." The selection process, which involved scholars and Holiday's relatives, reflects a broader effort to diversify public monuments and recognize historically marginalized figures. The public can provide feedback on the proposals, emphasizing community engagement in shaping public art.