News Summary
The James Brown statue in Augusta will be temporarily moved on July 17, 2025, as part of a project to enhance Broad Street. While the statue is relocated, it will be kept in a climate-controlled environment at the Augusta Museum of History. The relocation aligns with plans for the new James Brown Linear Park, which will highlight the musician’s legacy and attract visitors to the downtown area. However, concerns about retaining Brown’s name for the new arena have sparked community discussions and advocacy from his family.
Augusta—The iconic James Brown statue currently positioned in front of the Augusta Common will be temporarily relocated on July 17, 2025, to facilitate ongoing construction work along Broad Street. The statue’s relocation is necessary to support the redevelopment of a redesigned public space aimed at improving the downtown area.
This initiative represents a collaborative effort between Augusta-Richmond County and the Augusta Museum of History, who are overseeing the move. The statue’s relocation has been officially authorized by the family of legendary musician James Brown, ensuring that the statue’s preservation aligns with the family’s wishes.
During the period of relocation, the statue will be stored in a climate-controlled environment at the Augusta Museum of History. This measure is implemented to protect the statue while it is off display. The plan is to return the statue to its original location on Broad Street once the construction is completed.
Upon its return, the statue will become a central feature of the newly developed James Brown Linear Park. This park is set to include a variety of interactive elements, visual displays of Brown’s musical works, and a timeline chronicling his achievements, celebrating the legacy of the “Godfather of Soul.” The addition of these features reflects Augusta’s broader commitment to enhancing public spaces through significant infrastructure improvements and cultural investments.
However, the relocation of the statue comes at a time of community concern regarding the potential removal of James Brown’s name from the new downtown arena, which is slated to replace the existing James Brown Arena. The Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority has expressed interest in selling the naming rights for the new venue, which has led to tensions with the Brown family regarding the future of this name.
In light of these circumstances, Brown’s daughter, Deanna, has urged the community to attend the Augusta Commission meeting on July 22 to advocate for keeping her father’s name attached to the new arena. Local officials, including Augusta commissioners, have shown support for the idea of retaining the James Brown name, but the final decision remains pending.
The relocation of the James Brown statue is not only significant for honoring the artist’s legacy but also symbolizes Augusta’s ongoing efforts to revitalize its downtown area. The planned enhancements are designed to draw residents and visitors alike, reinforcing the importance of local culture while fostering economic growth through improved public spaces.
As construction progresses, community discussions surrounding the naming rights for the new arena will continue, reflecting the strong interest in maintaining a connection to the city’s cultural heritage through one of its most celebrated icons, James Brown.
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Additional Resources
- Augusta Chronicle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: James Brown
- WRDW
- Google Search: James Brown statue relocation
- WJBF
- Google News: James Brown statue
- Augusta Press
- Google Scholar: James Brown
- WFXG
- Atlas Obscura: James Brown Plaza
