CLINTON, Iowa – A statue to honor football legend Frederick “Duke” Slater is almost ready for public display in this community.
A dedication ceremony and a Grow Clinton ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, for a Duke Slater Memorial Statue near Clinton High School. The statue is located at the Duke Slater Pocket Park.
It’s at the intersection of South 9th Street and 8th Avenue South across the street from the high school. The statue overlooks the swimming pool and football field as well as the academic wing.
In late 2021, a committee of community leaders formed with the idea of constructing a Duke Slater statue at the high school. Throughout 2022 and 2023, the committee raised over $100,000 to secure creation of the statue. For over 18 months, Brodin Studios in Kimball, Minnesota, created the life-sized bronze of Mr. Slater.
“We are looking forward to the dedication of Duke’s statue and what it will represent to not only the students at Clinton High School, but to all people,” said Ted Tornow, chair of Duke Slater Memorial Committee.
“This was truly a labor of love for our committee to work on and to recognize Duke for the many ways he made a difference – not only during his lifetime, but also for past, present, and future generations.”
From sports to courts
Mr. Slater was born in Normal, Illinois, and moved to Clinton in 1911. He led Clinton to two state football championships in 1913 and 1914. He attended the University of Iowa and joined the National Football League in 1922. There he became the first African-American lineman in NFL history.
After his football career, he became an assistant district attorney and an assistant Illinois commerce commissioner.
Mr. Slater was elected as the second African-American judge on the Cook County Municipal Court in Chicago in 1948. When he was elevated to the Cook County Superior Court in 1960, he became the first African-American to serve on that court. He moved to the Circuit Court of Cook County in 1964, where he served until his death in 1966.
Go here to learn more about Mr. Slater.
“The Duke Slater Statue will serve all Clinton High School Students a daily reminder that everyone has the opportunity to impact the world despite significant barriers,” said Gary Delacy, retired Clinton School District superintendent.
“Duke is one of the most impactful models for our current and future students in terms of grit and perseverance.”
