Foundation of Freedom Project
Honoring Congressman John J. Conyers, Jr. (D-MI)
On Thursday, September 15, 2016, The Foundation of Freedom project team unveiled the very first bronze bust of Congressman John James Conyers, Jr. (D-MI). The bust is currently under review at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, with hopes of installation in 2017/18. Stay tuned for the latest information and news regarding the Foundation of Freedom Project.
Congressman John James Conyers, Jr. (D-MI)
- 44th Dean of the House of Representatives (First African-American to hold that title)
- Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee (First African-American to serve as Chair)
- Dean of the Congressional Black Caucus
- Founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus
- Currently serving 26th consecutive term
Bronze Bust of Congressional Black Caucus Founding Member, Rep. John J. Conyers Jr. (D-MI), Will Be Unveiled During CBC Weekend
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Congressman John J. Conyers, Jr. is the Dean of the House of Representatives, Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, and Dean of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). Yet, Congressman Conyers has never had a sculpture created of him…until now. The bronze bust, a part of the “Foundation of Freedom project,” will honor Rep. Conyers and be unveiled at the Carnegie Library, Washington, DC. The unveiling will take place during the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference on Thursday, September 15th, 2016, at 7 p.m., during the Harlem Fine Arts Show.
“Having a sculpture created in my likeness is a tremendous honor,” said Congressman John Conyers. “This amazing work of art is a great tribute to my fight for jobs, justice and peace. I am humbled and forever grateful to receive such an acknowledgment.”
Representative Conyers will be the first Congressional Black Caucus member to receive a bronze bust in their honor. The visionary behind this endeavor is Angel Livas, Foundation of Freedom Project Founder. Livas says, “This is a man who has worked tirelessly for the rights and freedom for all. He is a living civil rights icon that continues to shape history and stay true to the cause of justice that’s why this is so important.”
She is working to have the bust on display at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC. “I initially wanted to have the bust on display at the Grand Opening of the National Museum of African-American History & Culture (NMAAHC), but it was too late to have it incorporated into the Grand Opening. I was encouraged to present it to the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery,” which is what the 33-year-old born Michigander plans to do. Livas hopes that it will be displayed there in early 2018.
The bust was created by internationally acclaimed figurative sculptor Steven Whyte of Carmel, CA. Whyte has created busts of more than a dozen political figures, athletes, and celebrities including the Duke of Westminster, financier Sir Evelyn de Rothschild, Civil Rights Activist Martin Luther King, Jr., and 1957 Heisman Trophy Winner, John David Crow. Whyte was recognized as the 2016 Sports Artist of the Year, Sculptor, by The United States Academy of Sports and The American Sport Art Museum & Archives.
To schedule media appearances please contact Ebony McMorris: 202-930-3262 or email em@dcmediaconnection.com.
