Alex Haley Heritage Square

Alex Haley Square is a part of Morningside Park in east Knoxville. The park is renown across the United States for having the only 12 foot high bronze statue of author and Pulitzer prize winner Alex Haley. Haley is best known for his book "Roots," in which he traced his origins back to Africa. His book was made into an acclaimed television mini-series.  The statue is the focal point of the park. It was designed by sculptress Tina Allen and cast in bronze in New York City. The statue weighs 4,200 pounds and was dedicated in February 1998 during Black History Month. Other amenities in the park include a play structure, water fountain and green space. The play structure was designed and built as part of a "volunteer community built" concept spearheaded by the Kimberly Clark Corporation. The playground was designed by children who live in the Morningside community and constructed on site by Knoxville residents in just a few days.