Dr. Theophilus Mensah of UEW Wins Bid to Create a Statue of Malcolm X
Dr. Theophilus Kwesi Mensah, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Art Education at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), has been selected to design and construct a ten-foot statue of El Hajj Malik El Shabazz, globally revered as Malcolm X.
The impressive monument was unveiled on Sunday, 18th May, 2025 in Winneba as a landmark feature of centenary celebrations honouring the legacy of the iconic civil rights leader.
Commissioned by the Malcolm X Liberation Institute in Cape Coast, the statue is a powerful tribute to Malcolm X’s enduring impact on Pan-Africanism, global justice and human rights advocacy. Dr. Mensah’s winning design was selected from a pool of distinguished submissions for its artistic brilliance, cultural relevance and historical sensitivity.
The statue captures Malcolm X in a commanding pose — resolute, dignified and introspective — symbolising his fearless pursuit of justice, intellectual evolution and unyielding commitment to Black empowerment.
Rooted in African heritage, Dr. Mensah integrated traditional Ghanaian symbolism into the sculpture to echo Malcolm X’s transformation and philosophies. Among the Adinkra symbols artistically embedded in the work are:
* Akokɔ Nan (the foot of a hen) — denoting courage and protection, emblematic of Malcolm X’s brave activism.
* Epa (handcuffs) — representing justice and resistance, a nod to his triumph over oppression.
* Mpatapo (the knot of reconciliation) — a symbol of peace and unity, reflecting his evolving vision of global solidarity.
* Fawohodie (independence) — signifying emancipation and self-determination, central to Malcolm X’s mission.
These cultural emblems add profound layers of meaning to the statue, forging a symbolic link between Malcolm X’s African roots and his revolutionary ideals.
Crafted from enduring materials, the statue is not only a masterwork of contemporary African sculpture but also a permanent educational beacon aimed at inspiring critical reflection and activism among future generations.
The unveiling drew an assembly of scholars, students, cultural custodians and international activists who commended Dr. Mensah’s outstanding artistry and vision. Representatives of the Malcolm X Liberation Institute lauded the work as a fitting tribute that immortalises Malcolm X’s legacy on African soil.
This artistic milestone not only affirms Dr. Mensah’s position as a leading voice in African contemporary art but also highlights UEW’s commitment to artistic excellence, cultural identity, and historical preservation.