The legacy of Maggie L. Walker has been for decades a guiding light that shines on the heritage and values of the African-American community of Jackson Ward. A lighted statue that hails her many achievements is a statue long past due in the city of Richmond.

It is unfortunate that the issue of removing a tree at Broad and Adams streets has taken precedence over the long sought efforts to bring a Walker statue to reality. When I first learned about the dilemma regarding the tree and the statue, I walked around the plaza site to visualize how they could coexist in that corner space.

After several plaza visits, it was obvious that an elegant statue in her honor would not allow a 360-degree view, unlike many of the statues of men in Richmond. Such an undertaking needs to be done right — with class, dignity and honor, hallmark principles that represent Mrs. Walker’s legacy and the heritage of Jackson Ward.

GLORY4MLW, a Facebook page, directs statue supporters to an Internet petition that recognizes her statue as the focus of the plaza without the tree. Additionally, supporters should attend the important community discussion by the Richmond Public Arts Commission at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12.

My understanding is that the city has a policy to replace trees that are removed for such projects. Therefore, the tree in question certainly will be represented by new tree life. Let the Maggie Walker statue claim the spotlight at Broad and Adams to illuminate the gateway to Jackson Ward toward Leigh Street. Her full glory is a shining guide to honor our past, our present and our future.

CARMEN F. FOSTER

Richmond