When the Statue of Liberty was first conceived, it was partly inspired by the abolitionist movement and the emancipation of enslaved people. Some historians speculate that Bartholdi might have drawn on symbols associated with freedom and liberty for formerly enslaved people.

Additionally, there’s a claim that Bartholdi's model for the statue may have been inspired by a Black woman. This theory is partly based on a statue called "Liberty Enlightening the World," which some believe was modeled after a Black woman. ~ Artist : David Boval.