Coleman Young Statue Funding Secured for Capitol
A new bronze statue of the former Detroit mayor will replace the Lewis Cass figure in the National Statuary Hall Collection.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Coleman A. Young Foundation has secured financial commitments to create a $1 million bronze statue of the late Detroit mayor. The monument is slated to replace the statue of Lewis Cass in the U.S. Capitol's National Statuary Hall.
Why it matters
The initiative aims to honor Young, who served as Detroit's mayor for 20 years, while replacing a statue of Cass that has faced criticism for his historical support of slavery.
The project requires $1 million to complete the bronze statue of the former mayor. Coleman Young served as the city's leader for 20 years, contributing to his legacy being represented among the 100 figures in the National Statuary Hall.
The players
Coleman Young
He served as the mayor of Detroit for two decades after beginning his term in 1974.
Gretchen Whitmer
She is the Governor of Michigan and is scheduled to speak at the upcoming fundraising event.
Mary Sheffield
She serves as a city leader and is expected to speak at the fundraiser at the Wright Museum.
Lewis Cass
He is a historical figure whose statue is currently placed in the National Statuary Hall Collection.
Coleman A. Young Foundation
This organization is leading the project to honor the former mayor through a new statue.
The details
Supporters of the project include the DTE Foundation, John A. James, Suzanne Shank, the Ilitch family, and Bedrock. The foundation is holding an event at the Wright Museum of African American History to solicit additional public donations for the installation.
Timeline
1974: Coleman Young began his 20-year term as mayor of Detroit.
1997: Coleman Young died.
October 20, 2026: Fundraising event held at the Wright Museum.
Late 2027: Expected unveiling of the statue at the U.S. Capitol.
Market Landscape
The replacement of a statue within the National Statuary Hall Collection reflects broader state efforts to re-evaluate historical representation in public spaces. This initiative mirrors ongoing national trends where state legislatures rotate their representatives to better reflect contemporary values.
Residents can participate in the project by attending the upcoming fundraiser at the Wright Museum to contribute to the statue's goal. This event offers a direct avenue for the public to influence the legacy represented in the U.S. Capitol.
The takeaway
The project serves as a reminder of how cities choose to memorialize their past leaders through public art. Supporters can track the progress of the statue's commission as the 2027 installation deadline approaches.
What happens next
The foundation will hold a fundraising event at the Wright Museum of African American History on October 20, 2026, followed by the planned unveiling of the statue in late 2027.
Further reading
For more information on community-led fundraising efforts, visit the Detroit Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Axios.
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