COLUMBIA, S.C. - Gender and racial inequality is among the most critical issues facing the world today. That’s why the organization Statues for Equality is honoring one South Carolina woman who continues to be a trailblazer in her industry and beyond.

Officials with the City of Columbia gathered Wednesday afternoon for the long-awaited statue unveiling of University of South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley.

The 14-feet-tall, bronze statue now stands at the intersection of Senate and Lincoln streets in downtown Columbia. The statue depicts Staley on a ladder holding a basketball net that has just been cut after winning a national championship.

This comes as officials with Statues for Equality say only 6% of statues in the United States depict women, and even fewer depict Black women.

During the unveiling ceremony, Coach Dawn Staley spoke of the importance of this moment and how she hopes it will impact generations to come.

“It has always been apparent to me that most women doing the work that creates change don’t have platforms. Well for those of us who do, we have a responsibility to speak loudly, for them and for those women who come after.“ Said Staley. 

Staley certainly has had a decorated career, earning the Gamecocks three national championships, seven Final Four appearances and winning nine SEC tournament championships.