In 2004 the Puffin Foundation helped to erect Alfred Tibor’s sculpture, CELEBRATION OF LIFE, at the NW corner of the Broad Street Bridge which spans the Sciota River in downtown Columbus, OH. This statue pays homage to the humanity of Columbus’ founders as it is a tribute to the notion that the idea of family should be color blind by reminding us of the story of the Sullivants and Arthur Boke, Jr. Arthur Boke, Jr. was the infant son of a former slave of Sarah Sullivant and a white surveyor, Arthur Boke who was working for Lucas Sullivant charting the confluence of the Sciota and Olentangy Rivers. The infant child was abandoned right after his birth and Sarah Sullivant chose to save this helpless baby (as she had given birth to her own son a few days before) by suckling it with her own child. Arthur Boke, jr. was raised and lived in the Sullivant household his entire life and then was buried in the family plot. When the graves of the Sullivants were moved to Greenlawn Cemetery, Arthur’s grave was moved as well. The story was forgotten until his tombstone was “rediscovered” by Bea Murphy and this story was revealed through her research. This piece of true Columbus history is exceptional for its love, compassion and selflessness; of looking beyond conventional judgement and in understanding that we are all of the same flesh and blood, and share so many things that define humanity. Ms. Bea Murphy, who spearheaded this wonderful project asks us all to CELEBRATE LIFE and keep love alive in our hearts. The next time you cross the Broad Street Bridge remember this wonderful story. Alfred Tibor is a world renowned sculptor and great humanitarian and he donated this work.
