The Alabama State Bar unveiled a life-sized sculpture honoring prominent civil rights attorney Fred Gray on Thursday. The statue, located outside the bar association’s building in Montgomery, depicts the 94-year-old Gray seated on a bench holding a file folder with the state bar’s logo. Gray, who has practiced law for nearly 70 years, played a crucial role in winning landmark cases during the Civil Rights Movement.
He represented notable figures such as Claudette Colvin, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr., and the late Congressman John Lewis. During the unveiling ceremony, Gray reflected on his upbringing and the victories he achieved throughout his career. He acknowledged the many individuals he represented who may not have become famous but were instrumental in laying the foundation for his work and legacy.
“I have practiced law for 70 years here in my hometown.
Sculpture honors civil rights champion
That means something to me,” Gray remarked.
The sculpture, created by artist Steven Whyte, aims to portray Gray as both welcoming and serious, reflecting his dedication to his calling. Whyte hopes the statue will inspire others to fight injustice. Gray emphasized his gratitude for the countless other people he represented who aren’t often recognized, including everyday activists who were arrested in civil rights demonstrations.
“Growing up in Montgomery on the west side, I never thought that one day my image would be in stone to honor my professional career,” Gray said in an impassioned speech at the unveiling. Tom Perry, the current bar president, noted the significance of the sculpture, stating, “This is a special day, not just for our bar but for the entire legal profession and our state. The sculpture will serve as a reminder to every lawyer who walks through this courtyard that service, courage, and character matter.”
Gray, who became the first Black president of the Alabama State Bar in 2002, remains active in the legal field, heading a firm in Tuskegee.
His contributions to the civil rights movement and his dedication to justice have left an indelible mark on history, and the new sculpture will serve as a lasting tribute to his remarkable achievements.
