Alabama State Bar unveils sculpture of Fred Gray

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - A new sculpture honoring prominent Alabama civil rights attorney Fred Gray sits outside the Alabama State Bar Association.

Gray has practiced law for nearly a century, winning landmark cases during the Civil Rights Movement under the representation of Claudette Colvin, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr., and the late Congressman John Lewis.

Gray was joined by friends, family, and colleagues at an unveiling ceremony on Thursday afternoon.

“I have practiced law for 70 years here in my hometown. That means something to me,” Gray said during his remarks.

Gray highlighted his upbringing and victories, acknowledging those he represented who never became famous, saying that they “laid the foundation” for who he is today.

The life-sized sculpture depicts the civil rights attorney seated on a bench holding a file folder with the state bar association’s logo.

Fred Gray has played a crucial role in winning landmark cases in the civil rights movement.(Source: WSFA)

Steven Whyte, the artist who sculpted the piece, said he wanted to portray Gray as both welcoming and serious because he believes in his calling. He adds that he hopes it inspires others to fight injustice.

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