New York to honor Ginsburg with statue in Brooklyn

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) on Saturday announced that the state would erect a statue of the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in her birthplace of Brooklyn to “honor the life and legacy.”

Ginsburg died Friday of pancreatic cancer at the age of 87.

“This statue will serve as a physical reminder of Justice Ginsburg’s monumental contributions to the America we know today and as an inspiration for all,” Cuomo said in a tweet Saturday. 

In a statement announcing the plans, Cuomo said that Ginsburg was “a monumental figure of equality” and that “she deserves a monument in her honor.” 

“Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg selflessly pursued truth and justice in a world of division, giving voice to the voiceless and uplifting those who were pushed aside by forces of hate and indifference,” Cuomo added. 

#BREAKING: New York will honor the life and legacy of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg with a statue in Brooklyn, her birthplace.

This statue will serve as a physical reminder of Justice Ginsburg’s monumental contributions to the America we know today and as an inspiration for all. pic.twitter.com/iwvo7c3JOw

— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) September 19, 2020

In the coming days, the governor said he will appoint a commission to select an artist and a location for the statue. 

The plans for the Brooklyn monument came after Cuomo first tweeted his reactions to Ginsburg’s death, saying on Friday that New York’s “heart breaks” with the passing of the justice who has long been considered an icon by many for her work defending the legal rights of women and minorities. 

Cuomo’s announcement came shortly after New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) said that plans would begin “immediately” for a Ginsburg memorial in the city, adding that the justice was an “unparalleled hometown hero.” 

“Her memory will live on. I promise you that,” the mayor said in a tweet Saturday.