New statue of labor, civil rights leader unveiled at Minnesota Capitol

A new statue honoring a local labor and civil rights leader was unveiled Monday at the Minnesota Capitol.

Gov. Tim Walz helped unveil a statue of Nellie Stone Johnson, the first woman vice president of both the Minnesota Culinary Council and Local 665, a hotel and restaurant employees union.

Johnson was also the first Black person to hold a city office in Minneapolis when she was a member of the library board.

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan said the statue of Johnson “will serve as a reminder that we must keep organizing for future generations to ensure every Minnesotan is seen, heard, and valued.”

From advancing workers’ rights to safeguarding the right to vote, Nellie Stone Johnson was a powerful leader and social justice champion. Her statue will serve as a reminder that we must keep organizing for future generations to ensure every Minnesotan is seen, heard, and valued. pic.twitter.com/KlzCSdzkXS

— Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan (@LtGovFlanagan) November 22, 2022