LINCOLN- Nathan Murray, a Lincoln-based sculptor, was selected from among three Nebraska artists to design and create the bust of Malcolm Little, who was born on May 19th, 1925 in Omaha, and who was selected by the Nebraska Hall of Fame to reside in the State Capitol's statuary hall. Little, also known as Malcolm X, was selected unanimously by the commission after being passed over twice in the past.

Murray, a 2009 graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln who teaches at the Lux Center for the Arts and Nebraska Wesleyan University, said he was honored to be chosen. "Being a Black Nebraska artist chosen to celebrate such an incredible part of our history is an honor," he said. Murray's other works explore issues of race, ethnicity, and intersectionality.

Meagan Dion, a public art and artist program specialist with the Nebraska Arts Council, said Murray's vision for Malcolm X aligned with the selection committee's priorities. Murray said his mock-up of the sculpture, which was shown to the commission earlier this year, portrayed Malcolm X as both a fighter and an intellectual. "It was very important for me that he have that sense of dignified strength," said Murray, "He was very much focused on doing for yourself, being strong, being moral, just that kinds of self-determination and being willing to be what need to succeed."

For the full article click HERE