At A Glance

• Dedicated to Richard Allen, an enslaved person who purchased his freedom and became a prominent citizen in Philadelphia

• One of artist Charles Searles’ first public artworks in bronze

• Striving was described as “symbolic of African American peoples’ long and continued journey forward toward a better and higher level of existence and achievement in the United States.”

Standing at 11 feet tall in front of First District Plaza, the abstract bronze Striving was described by the artist, Charles Searles, as “symbolic of African American peoples’ long and continued journey forward toward a better and higher level of existence and achievement in the United States.”

The sculpture was dedicated to the spirit of the African Methodist Episcopal Church’s founder, Richard Allen, an enslaved person who purchased his freedom and became a prominent citizen in Philadelphia. Striving was commissioned by the African Methodist Episcopal Church, owner and developer of First District Plaza, through the Redevelopment Authority’s Percent for Art program.

A Philadelphia Native, Searles grew up in the neighborhood adjacent to First District Plaza. He attended the University of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and taught at the University of the Arts. Striving is one of Searles’ first public artworks in bronze, a departure from the boldly painted wood sculptures that he is known for.

RESOURCES

• Africa in the Arts of Philadelphia: Bullock, Searles, and Twins Seven-Seven (Woodmere Art Museum)

This artwork is part of the Around University City tour