African American Tribute Garden

Inclusiveness has been the hallmark of LeMoyne Arts since its founding in 1963. Thanks to the leadership of co-founder Clifton Lewis and First President, Al Block, LeMoyne codified this core value with a non-discrimination clause in its original bylaws, becoming the first private organization in Tallahassee to do so. To further enshrine these beliefs, LeMoyne dedicated this African American Tribute Garden in 2024. The garden pays tribute to those who were at the forefront of desegregation during the civil rights movement.

​The centerpiece of this garden is the sculpture PLUS by Fred Holschuh. Holschuh created PLUS in 1969 to honor and memorialize Irene Colbert Edmonds, a prominent Florida A&M University humanities and theater professor who died in 1968. The artwork is believed to be the first instance of a sculptural installation dedicated to publicly recognizing an African American hero in the Tallahassee Community. PLUS, one of four Holschuh sculptures on this tour was donated by Edmonds' family and friends to honor her legacy at LeMoyne, where she and her husband, Randolph Edmonds, served on the LeMoyne Board of Directors.

Next, you can continue your tour at LeMoyne’s Memorial Fountain, located to your right.