It replaced a monument to Christopher Columbus in the same location which was removed in 2020 by the city to prevent its toppling in a Black Lives Matter protest.

A second curved wall made of wood slats on the exterior and corten steel on the interior contains a timeline of Tubman's life as well as panels that present information on Black liberation history in the city and state.

Integrated speakers play audio narrating Tubman's life by Newark native Queen Latifah and reflections from community members.

The monument is encircled with hexagonal concrete pavers, some of which are engraved with donor names, and a short pink granite retaining wall that defines the park from the sidewalk.

[12] The monument was unveiled on March 9, 2023, by Mayor Ras Baraka, First Lady of New Jersey Tammy Murphy, Queen Latifah, Cooke John, Don Katz and other local dignitaries following a press conference at Audible's Innovation Cathredral.