Champions for Humanity Monument

This monument by sculptor Mario Chiodo in uptown Oakland consists of “25 culturally diverse role models who have made significant contributions toward global peace, freedom and human rights over the past 150 years.”

The featured figures in the monument include international peace figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Elie Wiesel, Mother Teresa, and the Unknown Rebel of Tiananmen Square, as well as national icons such as Abraham Lincoln, Cesar Chavez, Helen Keller, Chief Joseph, and Harvey Milk (to name only a few).

The impressive monument weighs 60,000 pounds, making it the largest bronze monument west of the Mississippi, and has been called the Mount Rushmore of California.

At the center are three sculptures depicting the aforementioned figures atop of books with the bindings showcasing their names. Surrounding the three main pieces is a border made of sculpted heads which include a quote from the rendered individuals.