Coleman A. Young sculpture design unveiled for U.S. Capitol

The design for a sculpture honoring Coleman A. Young, Detroit’s first Black and longest-serving mayor, has been revealed. Sculptor Austen Brantley unveiled a preliminary model at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, depicting Young in a confident pose with arms crossed to convey conviction and self-assurance.

The statue is part of the Coleman A. Young Statue Initiative, which has raised over $1.2 million through support from philanthropic, business, and government leaders, including The Kresge Foundation. The tribute will represent Michigan in the U.S. Capitol’s National Statuary Hall Collection, replacing the statue of Lewis Cass and joining President Gerald R. Ford as Michigan’s honorees.

In addition to the Capitol tribute, a companion statue is planned for downtown Detroit. The initiative also includes support for scholarships and training programs for Detroit youth.